A former Bournemouth youth team striker hanged himself on the day he was due in court on a rape allegation, it has been revealed.
Clive Makoni, 26, was found dead by a cleaner at an Airbnb where he had been staying in Kings Somborne, near Winchester in Hampshire, on September 9.
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It can now be revealed he was due at Croydon Magistrates’ Court that day charged with a rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
Prosecutors claimed he attacked a woman at the London Bridge Hotel on August 18 last year but the investigation was discontinued following his death.
Clive Makoni (pictured), 26, was found dead by a cleaner at an Airbnb where he had been staying in Kings Somborne, near Winchester in Hampshire, on September 9
Makoni had spells at non-league clubs across Hampshire, including Tadley Calleva and Bashley, as well as captaining Bournemouth University’s men’s football team.
Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson opened an inquest into Makoni’s death at Winchester Coroner’s Court on September 28.
He said: ‘He was staying at an Air BnB when a cleaner discovered him hanging in a property on September 9.’
A full inquest to be heard on May 17 next year following further investigations.
Makoni also played for Bournemouth University men’s football side where he was a frequent goal scorer netting a hatrick against Bournemouth Electric in April 2019.
Without knowing of Makoni’s rape charge, the club said: ‘Clive was a true role model who will be missed by so many. We are devastated to report that former first-team captain Clive Makoni has passed away.
‘Clive was not only one of the best footballers that BU has ever seen, he was a great man with a heart of gold.
‘A true BU legend who will be missed terribly. Rest in peace.’
Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson opened an inquest into Makoni’s death at Winchester Coroner’s Court (pictured) on September 28
Dorchester Town Football Club said of their former player: ‘We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Magpie Clive Makoni.
‘Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with Clive’s family and friends..’
Makoni, of Poole, Bournemouth, was first listed to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on 20 August 2020, but records state the hearing was adjourned.
The case was then listed for 9 September. No plea was ever made.
Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri previously said further investigations into the death were required and in a post mortem report, he stated the preliminary cause of death was unascertained.Â
