admin
Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
FORMER Highlanders FC striker Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube was yesterday granted $100 bail in a case where he is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl multiple times over four months.
Ncube (34), who resides at Thokozani Flats in Makokoba suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube.
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to December 8 on $100 bail.
Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said Ncube approached the complainant, whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons, and demanded sex in exchange for rentals sometime in July this year.
“On an unknown date but sometime in July this year around 5PM at a house in Cowdray Park suburb, Ncube demanded to have sexual intercourse with the complainant in her mother’s absence. He promised the complainant she would not have to pay rent. The complainant refused,” said Mr Mageza.
On the same day a few hours later, Ncube allegedly returned to the complainant, making the same demands but she said she was afraid of her mother.
Mr Mageza said Ncube threatened to chase away the complainant and her mother from his house if she continued to turn down his advances.
“He then lifted her up and forcibly undressed her before pushing her onto a bed and raping her once,” he said.
Mr Mageza said Ncube continued to have forced sexual intercourse with the minor on multiple occasions until November 19 when the complainant disclosed the matter to her mother.
The complainant’s mother informed her uncle about the issue and proceeded to the police to report the matter.
The girl was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination and a medical report was produced in court as an exhibit.
Ncube, a prolific striker in his heydays, was a soccer star finalist in 2013, had stints with FC Platinum, the now defunct Railstars FC and Motor Action FC.
He also played in neighbouring Botswana.
— @andile_tshuma
Online Reporter