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Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
THREE neighbourhood watch committee members in Gutu have appeared in court on allegations of burning a suspect’s genitals after arresting him for allegedly raping a neighbour’s daughter (4).
William Maromo (45), Charles Muzenda (25) and Phillip Blantyre Bonzo whose age was not given pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault when they appeared before Gutu resident magistrate Mr Edwin Marecha on Tuesday.
The trio was granted $100 bail each and remanded to today for trial.
Maromo, Muzenda and Bonzo were arrested after the rape suspect (19), whose name has been withheld to protect the victim, claimed that he was tortured during his initial court appearance.
The suspect of Mushavari Farm said the trio tortured him using a burning log.
A medical report availed in court confirmed that the suspect suffered intensive genital burns and had bruises all over the body as a result of the assault.
For the State Ms Agatha Gabriel said early this month, Maromo, Muzenda and Bonzo received a report that the man had allegedly raped the girl.
“On June 7 at about 4PM the three went to Mushavari Farm looking for the suspect.
“Upon their arrival at the village they found the suspect and arrested him after which they allegedly took turns to assault him all over his body using sticks. They also assaulted him under his feet and went on to burn his genitals with a log after witnessing the horrible sight of the abused girl who had semen on her body,” said Ms Gabriel.
The rape suspect was also remanded in custody to today for trial after Mr Marecha denied him bail given the gravity of the offence. He was asked to apply to the High Court for bail.
Online Reporter