Epworth Woman Arrested After Pretending To Be A Man And Living With Lover As Husband and Wife

AN Epworth woman has been arrested after she allegedly pretended to be a man and lived with her teenage lover as husband and wife in a shocking deception that has landed her in court facing aggravated indecent assault charges.

Shamiso Melinda Sigara, 18, a resident of Overspill in Epworth, appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa over the weekend. The complainant in the matter is a 16-year-old girl who reportedly believed she was in a romantic relationship with a man.

According to court documents, the bizarre saga began in November last year when Sigara allegedly first approached the teenager and presented herself as a male suitor. The minor accepted what she believed was a genuine love proposal from a man.

How The Deception Unfolded

H-Metro reports that prosecutors detailed that the relationship progressed over several months, with the teenager remaining unaware of her lover’s true identity. The state alleges that Sigara maintained the elaborate masquerade throughout this period, successfully convincing the young girl she was involved with a man.

The situation took a dramatic turn on February 12 this year, when Sigara allegedly arranged for the complainant to leave her family home permanently. The teenager reportedly agreed to the plan and moved into Sigara’s residence in Overspill, under the impression they would begin living together as husband and wife.

Court papers state: “The accused allegedly arranged for the complainant to move into her home so they could live together as husband and wife. She complied and left her home to live with Shamiso.”

It was during the night, while the two were asleep, that the alleged assault occurred. Prosecutors claim that Sigara inserted an unidentified object into the complainant’s private parts on two separate occasions while pretending to possess male genitalia.

Victim’s Discovery Leads To Court Appearance

Following the incident, the teenager reportedly became suspicious of her partner’s true identity. She confided in her mother, revealing her belief that her lover was actually a woman pretending to be a man.

The mother immediately took action, filing a police report the following day. Investigators moved swiftly, leading to Sigara’s arrest. When she appeared in court, Sigara was not asked to plead to the charges of aggravated indecent assault.

Magistrate Kufa remanded the accused in custody pending bail considerations. Prosecutor Oscar Madhume represented the state during the proceedings. The matter is expected to return to court later this week for formal bail arguments.