Woman alleges rape, threats and stalking for months, court hears<\/p>\n
DISCLAIMER: This article contains graphic details that some readers might find disturbing.<\/p>\n
Court proceedings have begun against Joseph Zahra, who stands accused with 13 offences, including rape and non-consensual sexual acts involving a woman residing at the Ħal Far Open Centre.<\/p>\n
The 43-year-old was arraigned on 27 March, as police inspectors testified about the allegations brought forward by the Ethiopian woman.<\/p>\n
Inspector Antonello Magri told the court that on 18 March at around 1:45pm, the woman reported to the Birżebbuġa Police Station that she had been raped approximately seven months earlier.<\/p>\n
According to her statement, she first met the accused at a bus stop in Ħal Far, where he allegedly asked her to be his girlfriend. After she refused, he allegedly took her to his garage and raped her.<\/p>\n
The woman told police that in the months following the alleged assault, Zahra continued to follow and harass her, as they lived in close proximity.<\/p>\n
She said he would frequently approach her near a bus stop close to his residence, stopping his car and urging her to get inside, while she also received calls from anonymous numbers.<\/p>\n
She explained that she delayed reporting the incident out of fear and faced a language barrier. The woman added that she had sought help from the centre where she resides, but was told that since the incident had not occurred on its premises, assistance could not be provided.<\/p>\n
The court also heard that on two occasions she entered his car out of fear. She further admitted that at one point she had taken around €1,000 from him.<\/p>\n
A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued, and Zahra was arrested when he went to sign at a police station.<\/p>\n
Inspector Marshall Mallia took the stand next and corroborated the report, confirming that the alleged victim had identified Zahra and provided details about his vehicle. He said she recounted how, towards the end of summer, the accused persuaded her to enter his car before taking her to his garage in Ħal Far, where he allegedly forced himself on her.<\/p>\n
The court heard the accused allegedly threatened the victim, telling her she could scream as much as she wanted but no one would hear her, and warning her not to attempt escape, claiming his dogs would attack her if she did.<\/p>\n
“If you want to stay alive, do as I say, or else I’ll kill you”, Zahra allegedly told the victim. He did not use a form of contraceptive during the encounter.<\/p>\n
The woman further claimed that on 14 March the accused stopped near the bus stop again and urged her to get in his car.<\/p>\n
In a statement to police, Zahra denied the allegations. He admitted knowing the woman and said he had driven her to various places, but claimed he would not engage in such acts. He also alleged that she had stolen an envelope containing around €1,000 from him, which he said led to a confrontation.<\/p>\n
The prosecution is being led by Inspectors Wayne Buhagiar, Marshall Mallia and Antonello Magri, together with AG lawyer Jurgen Dalli. Defence lawyer Franco Debono is representing the accused.<\/p>\n
Magistrate Ann-Marie Thake presided over the sitting.<\/p>\n
The case is set to continue 21 April at noon.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to professional help services available in Malta.<\/p>\n