Online Reporter
Lesley Chikudo
A 58-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man, Mbelekelwa Sibanda, has been dragged before the courts on shocking allegations of repeatedly, indecently assaulting and ultimately raping his 16-year-old neighbour, in a case that has left the community reeling.
Sibanda, who appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate, Mrs. Sibongile Marondedze, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and indecent assault. He was granted bail, set at US$100 and is set to return to court on 4 April.
According to prosecutor, Ms Christina Manyika, Sibanda’s alleged crimes spanned from 2023 to January this year.
The court heard how he would lure the young girl to his home under the guise of needing help with groceries, paying her a mere US$1 each time. During these encounters, he allegedly took advantage of the situation to grope her breasts.
The situation escalated horrifically on 26 January, 2024, around 4PM, when Sibanda allegedly forced the teenager into his bedroom, taped her mouth shut and raped her. After the assault, he reportedly gave her R20 and threatened her with violence if she ever spoke out.
The traumatised girl initially kept the abuse to herself, but her aunt grew suspicious after noticing disturbing changes in her behaviour. When confronted, the teenager finally revealed the horrific ordeal, prompting the family to report the matter to the police.
In court, Sibanda dismissed the allegations as fabrications, insisting that his interactions with the girl were purely charitable — claiming he only ever helped her financially. However, the prosecution maintains that the evidence points to a calculated pattern of exploitation and abuse.
