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TWO Chipinge brothers were on Monday arraigned before the courts for allegedly raping a 16-year-old mentally challenged juvenile.The duo- Robert Sithole (43) and Aleck Sithole (35) of Zibuke Village under Chief Gwenzi’s area appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira facing rape charges as defined in Section 65 of Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.They were not asked to plead and were advised to apply for bail at the High Court because they were facing a third schedule offence. The State led by Mr Themba Dhliwayo alleged that on April 17 at Zibuke Village, the complainant was at Robert Sithole’s homestead and Robert called her to come to the back of a kitchen hut.
The two accused persons are uncles to the complainant.
“After the complainant complied, Robert raped her once, while Aleck was watching.
“After Robert had finished, Aleck proceeded to fondle the complainant’s breast and also raped her once. The two threatened to assault her if she ever divulged to anyone what had happened,” he said.
“On April 21, the complainant’s mother Lucia Maphosa made a police report at ZRP Grassplats Post leading to the duo’s arrest.
“The complainant was medically examined and it was confirmed that penetration had been made,” said Mr Dhliwayo.
The matter was adjourned to May 9.
Online Reporter