The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
JOHANNE Marange Apostolic Church member, Hatirarame Momberume (26), who is facing charges of murder and having a sexual relationship with a minor following the death of his 14-year-old victim has been granted $50 000 bail by a Mutare High Court Judge.
Justice Isaac Muzenda last week concurred with Momberume’s attorney, Mr Brian Majamanda of Khupe and Chijara Law Chambers, that the lower court erred in not granting the suspect bail.
Momberume has been in custody since August when he was arrested over Anna Machaya’s death.
As part of the bail conditions, the accused person was ordered to reside at St Noah College in Marange until the finalisation of the matter and to report every week at Bambazonke Police Station.
He was also told not to interfere with State witnesses.
It is the State’s case that Momberume caused the death of the young girl by impregnating her and failing to take her to a proper health institution to receive healthcare services.
The court heard that instead, Momberume took Anna to Johanne Marange Church midwives where she delivered a baby boy and died due to labour complications.
Momberume allegedly secretly buried Anna without notifying authorities of her death.
On the other count, Momberume is said to have impregnated Anna and stayed with her as his wife.
