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Gibson Mhaka
WHILE some people may argue that external forces like fear are necessary, however, a strong moral compass and respect for human dignity are crucial deterrents against abusing elders.
In a rare show of bravery, an 84-year-old granny from Plumtree fought off a 41-year-old seemingly sex-starved man armed with a spear who attempted to rape her and threatened to murder her if she did not comply with his demands. Using the dangerous weapon as a threat, the man, Alton Silenje demanded to have sex with her “since she had stayed for long without being intimate”.
Silenje is said to have threatened the octogenarian that if she refused to have sexual intercourse with her, he would kill her and rape her dead body. However, in a remarkable act of self-defence, the granny reportedly fended off Silenje by grabbing his testicles and squeezing them, forcing him to wail in pain.
The groans and commotion attracted neighbours, who arrived and caused Silenje to flee from the scene. The granny’s bravery to free herself from Silenje was relayed to B-Metro.
Details of the sickening incident are that on 11 June 2024 at around 7 am the woman heard a knock on the door. Silenje, who was armed with a spear, is said to have told the granny that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her and then kicked the door open and gained access.
While inside he threatened the granny saying, “Today, I want to have sex with you. I want to feel your private privates since it has been a long time since you had sex. Even if you refuse, I will kill you and when you die, I will then have sexual intercourse with your dead body.”
While threatening her, the seemingly brave granny swiftly grabbed Silenje by the groin, forcing him to wail in pain. While he writhed in pain, the granny also shouted for help. The commotion attracted neighbours who arrived and caused Silenje to flee the scene.
The granny, who had positively identified him, was joined by neighbours to go and report the matter to the police, leading to Silenje’s arrest. Silenje has since appeared before Plumtree magistrate Shumirai Mutimodhlo charged with threats to commit murder and rape as defined in Section 186 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted after a full trial and sentenced to pay a fine of US$100, with two months in prison in default of payment.
Online Reporter