A multi-talented Zimbabwean international athlete who has won several awards in regional competitions as a female athlete has been arrested after it was discovered that he is a man.
Samukeliso Sithole, 17, was arrested last week after a female friend who had undressed in full view of the athlete found out that he was a male, the state dailies The Herald and Chronicle said.
The friend lodged a complaint with the police and Sithole was arrested for alleged impersonation and offensive behaviour.
Sithole however insists that he is a woman, even though a medical doctor has confirmed that he is a man.
He told the court that he was born with both male and female organs and a traditional healer gave him herbs that helped him become 100 percent woman.
Because his parents neglected to pay the traditional healer his full fees, his male organs recently grew back, Sithole said.
In recent years, Sithole has taken part in international youth athletic events such as hurdles, javelin, shot putt and triple jumping.
In June last year, he won a gold medal for Zimbabwe at a regional athletics tournament in Botswana where he competed as a woman.
He also scooped up five medals in Mauritius last year.
He has been ordered to return to court on March 3 for another hearing.
Samukeliso Sithole, 17, was arrested last week after a female friend who had undressed in full view of the athlete found out that he was a male, the state dailies The Herald and Chronicle said.
The friend lodged a complaint with the police and Sithole was arrested for alleged impersonation and offensive behaviour.
Sithole however insists that he is a woman, even though a medical doctor has confirmed that he is a man.
He told the court that he was born with both male and female organs and a traditional healer gave him herbs that helped him become 100 percent woman.
Because his parents neglected to pay the traditional healer his full fees, his male organs recently grew back, Sithole said.
In recent years, Sithole has taken part in international youth athletic events such as hurdles, javelin, shot putt and triple jumping.
In June last year, he won a gold medal for Zimbabwe at a regional athletics tournament in Botswana where he competed as a woman.
He also scooped up five medals in Mauritius last year.
He has been ordered to return to court on March 3 for another hearing.
