Binga man rapes 13-year-old “girlfriend”

Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange

A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Binga appeared in court for allegedly raping his 13-year-old “girlfriend.”

Shepherd Mudimba, of Gwatagwata Village, appeared before the Hwange regional magistrate, Mr Lungile Ncube facing a rape charge and he was remanded in custody to 20 February for trial.

Prosecuting, Mrs Charline Gorerino told the court that sometime last year in February, the accused was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with the minor.

The court heard that on 14 January this year, Mudimba and the complainant started cohabiting as husband and wife.

Mudimba stayed with the juvenile for four days until the complainant’s father discovered that his daughter had gone missing.

The court heard that during his stay with the complainant, Mudimba allegedly raped the girl.

The matter came to light when the complainant’s father discovered that his daughter was not home. He later got information that his daughter was at Mudimba’s place and sent his neighbour to go and fetch the victim. A report was made to the police leading to Mudimba’s arrest.

The complainant was medically examined, and doctors compiled a medical report and will be produced in court as evidence.