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Tendai Bhebe, Sunday News Reporter
A POLICE officer stationed at Ross Camp in Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly raping a 17-year-old Montrose Girls High pupil.
Wellington Chingarande appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Sibonginkosi Mkandla charged with rape. He pleaded not guilty and the case was postponed to 26 March for continuation of trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada said on 12 August last year at about 7pm, Chingarande who was in love with the school girl invited her to his place of residence at Ross Camp. The court heard that the complainant proceeded to the accused person’s place of residence where she found him on ground floor.
Chingarande took the girl to his room situated on the first floor where he started caressing her. She indicated she was not interested but Chingarande pushed her onto the bed, removed her clothes and raped her. The court heard that when the girl arrived home after the ordeal her mother questioned her where she was coming from. She, however, did not reveal the truth.
Mr Mada told the court that on 14 September 2018, the girl’s parents took her to Elite Clinic with the intention to be tested for virginity and pregnancy. Later on, the girl opened up to her aunt that she was raped by Chingarande.
A report was then made leading to the arrest of the police officer. In his defence, Chingarande said the two were in love and she had told him that she was 18. He further said that when they had sexual intercourse on 12 August at his house, the girl consented.
@TendaiBhebe
Online Reporter