Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, a US-based woman who allegedly forced herself on a 16-year-old boy in Glen View has been given a trial date by a Harare court. The video of Maria Makedenge and the boy was uploaded on TeraBox app and Social media and can be viewed here.
Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge (33), who is represented by Lennon Itai Rwizi is on a US$100 bail.
Makedenge was remanded to December 2 for trial after the State indicated that it had completed investigations.The accused is a girlfriend of a tenant who resides at the house as the complainant.
According to the State, on August 2, this year, the complainant and the accused person were at home when Makedenge followed the complainant to his room.
She allegedly forcibly had unprotected sexual intercourse with the complainant without his consent She told him not to disclose the matter to anyone and promised to take him to the US where she is formally employed
However, the complainant disclosed the matter to his sister who also informed his mother. The mother filed a complaint at Mbare police station, leading to Makedenge’s arrest.
Maria Makedenge video explained In Depth
The video of Maria Makedenge has gripped Zimbabwe and left many in shock. A 33-year-old woman living in the United States, Maria, now faces serious allegations involving a 16-year-old boy in Glen View, Harare.
According to reports from the courts, the boy was in his bedroom when Maria allegedly followed him in, shut the door, and forced him into a sexual act. The fact that he is under 18 makes the allegations even more serious, as the law clearly states that minors cannot legally consent to such acts.
What makes this story even more heartrending is how it came to light. The boy confided in his sister, who quickly informed their mother. The mother acted immediately, reporting the incident to the police. Authorities say the teenager was allegedly threatened and even promised travel to the United States if he stayed silent.
These details sent shockwaves through the community and quickly became a trending topic on social media, igniting a wave of anger and concern nationwide.
Maria was arrested and brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court. She did not enter a plea, and the court set a trial date while granting her bail. Despite this, public attention has remained intense.
Many people are discussing the case online, highlighting how male victims of sexual assault are often overlooked and emphasizing the need for equal protection under the law. Others caution against rushing to judgment, stressing the importance of fair trials and the principle that the accused is innocent until proven guilty.
Beyond the courtroom, the story has sparked broader conversations about safety, protection, and justice for minors. Parents, educators, and community leaders are questioning how children can be better protected, and how society responds when the victim is male. This case has forced Zimbabweans to confront uncomfortable questions about consent, power dynamics, and the responsibilities adults have toward vulnerable young people.
The case of Maria Makedenge is more than just a crime story; it has become a national conversation about justice, child protection, and societal values. It is a reminder that young people are vulnerable, that communities must act to protect them, and that legal systems must be prepared to handle such cases with both care and seriousness. As the trial unfolds, all eyes will remain on the courtroom, waiting to see how the justice system addresses these serious allegations and what lessons will emerge for families, communities, and the nation as a whole.