Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A 52-YEAR-OLD man from Mapolovhele area in Beitbridge has been arrested for raping a 14-year-old girl from the same village who had been sent to collect a solar panel from his homestead.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the complainant, was arrested on December 19 and appeared before acting Beitbridge regional magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba on Wednesday.
He was not asked to plead and remanded in custody to January 14.
Prosecuting, Mr Willbrought Muleya said on December 17 this year, the complainant was sent to the accused’s homestead at around 5 pm to collect a solar panel.
Upon arrival, the man, who was alone at the time, asked the girl to enter a spare bedroom and she complied.
He followed her and raped her once. After committing the crime, the accused gave his victim the solar panel and she went away.
The issue came to light on December 19 when the complainant gave the clothes she had been wearing on the day to her siblings and later their grandmother observed blood stains on them.
The grandmother informed the complainant’s mother, who then questioned the girl about the source of the blood.
She then narrated her ordeal and the matter was reported to the police, who swiftly arrested the accused person.
