Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 21-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing allegations of raping his co-tenant’s 16-year-old daughter at knifepoint.
The man who cannot be named to protect the victim, appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze and was remanded in custody to 2 June.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Ms Christina Manyika, the alleged offence occurred in November last year around midday while both the accused and the complainant were at home.
It is alleged that the accused threatened the complainant with a knife before dragging to a couch where he raped her once.
He thereafter threatened to slit he throat if she dared inform anyone about the sexual assault.
Out of fear, the girl remained silent about the alleged rape.
However, on 7 February this year, the teenager began exhibiting signs of distress and suicidal tendencies, which raised alarm.
Her sister, noticing the behaviour change, confronted her and she opened up and narrated how she was raped.
The matter was reported at Pumula Police Station leading to the accused’s arrest. The complainant was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Giving evidence during trial Dr Proud Magwere, who examined the complainant, said there was no evidence of penetration as her hymen remained intact.
The complainant, however, said she was examined by another doctor who confirmed she had been raped.
