Chronicle EditorLesley Chikudo,[email protected]
A 58 YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man appeared has appeared in court for allegedly indecently assaulting and raping his neighbour’s 16 year old daughter.
Mbelekelwa Sibanda pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the Western Commonage regional magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze facing rape and indecent assault charges.
He was remanded out of custody to April 4 on US$100 bail.
The prosecutor, Ms Christina Manyika, said that between 2023 and January this year, Sibanda allegedly invited the complainant to his home under the pretence of helping him offload groceries from his car, offering her US$1 as payment.
During these encounters, it is alleged that he fondled her breasts.
On January 26, at about 4 PM, Sibanda allegedly escalated his actions. After asking the complainant to assist with groceries, he allegedly forced her into his bedroom, sealed her mouth with tape, and raped her. Following the alleged assault, he gave the complainant R20 and threatened violence if she disclosed the incident.
The complainant initially remained silent about the ordeal. However, her aunt became suspicious after observing changes in her behaviour. Upon questioning, the girl confided in her aunt, leading to a police report and Sibanda’s subsequent arrest.
In court, Sibanda denied the allegations, claiming that the complainant fabricated the charges against him. He insisted that his interactions with her were solely to assist her financially.
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