Online Reporter
Tsenulo Moyo
WHILE the church preached uprightness and moral rectitude to its youth, one 19-year-old boy from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo allegedly disregarded those teachings in the most egregious way, after he was arrested for allegedly raping his 15-year-old churchmate after a church service.
Keith Pasipanodya appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Matthew Mutiro, facing rape charges.
He pleaded not guilty, and the matter was remanded for trial. He was also referred for a victim-friendly assessment.
In his defence, Pasipanodya claimed that on the day in question, the complainant sent him WhatsApp messages inviting him to a room, where they engaged in consensual sexual intercourse.
He further stated that he knew the complainant as a youth member and was unaware that she was a minor.
The alleged incident occurred on November 24, 2024, at around 10am, after a church service in Makokoba.
The accused allegedly had sexual intercourse with the complainant, who is considered legally unable to consent to such an act.
They were reportedly busted during the act, and the matter was reported to the police, resulting in Pasipanodya’s arrest.
