Chronicle EditorTrish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A 25-year-old Bulawayo man yesterday appeared in the Western Commonage Regional Court on charges of sodomising his 13-year-old nephew.
The accused, from Pumula South, allegedly violated the minor on July 25. The matter was exposed when the victim told his aunt, the accused’s sister-in-law. A report was made to the police leading to the man’s arrest.
The man pleaded not guilty, claiming the allegations were fabricated by his sister-in-law due to her unrequited advances towards him. He alleged that she had fabricated the story as retaliation for him rejecting her sexual advances. He claimed that she had even denied the boy food to coerce him into making the false accusations.
However, the victim maintained his account of the incident, describing the ordeal and subsequent physical discomfort. The medical report corroborated the boy’s statement, confirming the presence of anal bruising.
The aunt vehemently denied the accused’s claims, asserting that she had no romantic interest in him. She described the horrifying impact the alleged sodomy had had on her nephew, including behavioural changes and decreased appetite.
Police investigations revealed that the accused had attempted to evade arrest following the incident, but was apprehended in Colleen Bawn. The investigating officer testified observing signs of trauma in the victim during the reporting process.
Regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla adjourned the case to August 22 for sentencing.
Online Reporter