Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Zimpapers Writer
A 39-year-old Bulawayo kombi driver appeared in court yesterday accused of raping a 12-year-old girl after allegedly luring her with a lift.
Mkhululi Dube of Nkulumane suburb appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure facing a charge of rape.
He was remanded in custody to January 14.
Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court that on January 9 at around 3PM, the girl had just disembarked from a kombi at Nkulumane terminus after a trip from town. There, her brother’s classmate — identified as Dube — approached her while in his vehicle and convinced her to wait for a ride home.
Once he finished his tasks, Dube allegedly drove her to a secluded bushy area where he parked his vehicle.
The court heard that Dube moved from the driver’s seat to sit beside the complainant. Despite her protests, he began fondling her breasts, escalating the assault.
The girl tried to scream, but Dube allegedly threatened her into silence and ordered her to lie on the seat before raping her. Afterwards, he warned her of violence if she told anyone, then drove her to a spot near Phekiwe Bar and abandoned her there.
The complainant walked home and confided in her mother, who immediately took her to the police station to report the alleged crime, leading to Dube’s arrest.
Authorities referred the victim for a medical examination to document injuries and gather evidence.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, a 33-year-old Bulawayo man appeared in court for allegedly attacking his friend with a spade during a dispute.
Thembani Ncube of Mabutho suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of assault and was remanded in custody to January 27.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on January 11, Ncube and the complainant, Newman Gumboguru (45), were together at a house in Emthunzini when a misunderstanding arose.
The accused allegedly insulted Gumboguru using obscene language. When the complainant questioned the insults, Ncube allegedly became violent, picked up a spade and struck him once on the head and once on the stomach. Gumboguru sustained injuries and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical treatment.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Ncube’s arrest.
