A 43- year old popular Tanzania musician has been charged before a Shanzu court with allegation of committing rape against a middle aged woman.

Sefu Shabani Ramadhan alias 'Matonya was charged with one count of rape contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.

Chief Magistrate Hon. Robinson Ondiek heard that Matonya intentionally and unlawfully penetrated the woman through the use of force on 7 April 2026, at Josy Joka Apartments in Nyali Sub County within Mombasa County.

The famous Bongo Flava popular music well known for his hit songs including "Vaileti, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele applied to the court to impose a stringent bond terms against the accused, stating that he is a foreigner with no fixed local abode.

Ms Ombele submitted that unless a tougher bond terms are imposed, the accused is likely to flee the country and frustrate the course of justice.

The prosecution also prayed to the court to direct the immigration department to place a red alert against the accused person at the border points to bar him from sneaking back into his country.

In his ruling, Hon. Ondiek directed that the accused to deposit Ksh 500,000 bond with one Kenyan surety and leave his Tanzanian passport with the court until his case is heard and determined. 

The court further ordered Matonya not to leave court’s jurisdiction without its permission and directed the immigration department to issue an alert at the border to deter his unlawful departure. 

The accused had travelled to Mombasa during the Easter holidays to record music when he allegedly met the complainant through a friend in Bamburi.

It is alleged that the complainant received a call from her friend inviting her to join them for a social outing at an apartment rented by the accused. Although she initially hesitated, she later agreed.

The three reportedly met at a wines and spirits outlet before proceeding to Jacy Joka Apartments in Nyali, where they had drinks and food.

Later, the accused and his female friend retired to the bedroom, leaving the complainant in the living area where she slept on a couch.

The prosecution alleges that while she was asleep, the accused approached her and began touching her inappropriately before forcefully penetrating her despite her resistance.

She is said to have raised an alarm, prompting her friend to rush to the scene and find the two in the living area.

In the ensuing commotion, the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant and later called security guards and the landlord, claiming the women had stolen from him.

Police officers from Nyali Police Station responded and initially detained the two women after the accused lodged a complaint. However, the complainant later reported that she had been raped.

She was taken for medical examination, a P3 form filled, and statements recorded before the accused was arrested and charged.