Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A 20-YEAR-OLD perv from Cowdray Park, who gagged a 10-year-old girl by stuffing grass into her mouth, before sexually attacking her, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The girl who cannot be named for ethical reasons was on her way home from a night party in the neighbourhood.
Thabisani Sibanda appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Archie Wochiwunga, who imposed the 15-year sentence.
According to prosecutor Owen Mugari, the incident occurred on 13 December at around 9PM when the complainant, a Grade Three pupil at a local school was returning from a party.
Sibanda approached her from behind, grabbed her, and dragged her to a house that is under construction, where he threatened her with a knife, telling her to keep quiet.
He removed the complainant’s trousers and pants and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
“The complainant has nightmares at night and this has traumatised her because everyone is always talking about her, and they know that she has been sexually abused”, said Mugari.
Sibanda pleaded guilty and admitted to the charges. He told the court that what he did was wrong, but he did not know what had come over him.
He then asked the court to be lenient with him because he has a wife who is seven months pregnant.
Bongani Ndlovu