Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
David Mamvura, a Zimbabwean citizen, was nicknamed the ‘Hammer Man’ as he used a hammer to effect most of his crimes.
Mamvura represented himself during the latter period of his trial and most state witnesses were not cross-examined.
Mamvura claimed he did not give permission for DNA samples to be taken and claimed the state’s samples had been tampered with.
In mitigation of his sentence, he said the court proceedings were unfair and that he is the sole breadwinner for six dependants. His application for leave of appeal was dismissed.
Mamvura is charged with 14 counts of rape, 10 of housebreaking with the aim to rape and 10 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Mamvura first appeared in court in August 2013 after he was arrested after allegedly breaking into the house of an elderly couple in Bodenstein Street. During the break-in he threatened the couple with a knife, raped the 76-year-old woman and fled the scene after stealing two cell phones.
During his court appearance in 2013, Mamvura was released on R2 000 bail, despite strong arguments from the investigation team.
After being released on bail in 2013, Mamvura failed to appear in court on the stipulated date and another manhunt for the Hammer Man was launched.
He was caught in 2015. During his court appearances, Mamvura has twice used the excuse that he did not have legal representative so his case could be postponed.
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