15-years in jail for raping neighbour’s child (13)

A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Esigodini in Umzingwane District was sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for luring his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter into a bushy area and raping her.

Thabiso Ndlovu was convicted of rape as defined in Section 65(1) of the Criminal Law (Reform and Codification) Act by Gwanda regional magistrate, Ms Sithembiso Ndebele.
Prosecuting, Ms Karen Gundani told the court that the crime was committed on November 7 last year at around 5:30PM at Ntabemnyama Village under Chief Gwebu area in Umzingwane District.

“The complainant was playing at her homestead with her seven-year-old younger brother when the accused asked them to accompany him to his home. On their way, the accused sent the boy back to tend to the goats,” she said.

The court heard that Ndlovu lured the girl to a secluded place where he started to fondle her breasts. When the girl tried to scream, Ndlovu covered her mouth before raping her. After the offence, Ndlovu fled the scene.

The complainant went back home, where she reported the matter to her mother. A police report was made, leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

The complainant was referred to hospital for medical examination.