adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
AN ex-convict who attempted to rape his neighbour has appeared in court facing indecent assault charges.
Dzingani Dube, 23, of Tjehanga area in Bulilima District, allegedly charged at his neighbour after finding her taking a bath at her homestead.
The woman, 45, fled from her homestead naked and was rescued by her brother who pursued Dube until he caught up with him.
Dube, who was recently released from prison on amnesty, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Plumtree magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa.
Ruvetsa ordered Dube to be examined by two doctors to ascertain his mental stability and remanded him in custody to August 28.
Prosecuting, Stanley Chinyanganya told how Dube tried to rape his neighbour on August 9 around 5PM.
“Ndlovu proceeded to the complainant’s house where he found her naked, taking a bath. Upon seeing him approaching, the woman took a cloth and used it to cover her body.
“Dube charged at her and pulled away the cloth leaving the complainant naked. He tried to hold her but the complainant managed to flee and sought refuge at a neighbour’s house,” said Chinyanganya.
He said the woman’s brother pursued Dube and force marched him to the police station.
Dube said he does not remember committing the crime and blamed evil spirits.
“I do not remember doing all these things I am being accused of doing. I know the complainant because she is my neighbour and I have high respect for her because she is old enough to be my mother. I am not even attracted to her or any other woman as a matter of fact.
“I think I was possessed by a demon because I only recall seeing myself at the police station after being arrested for an offence I do not know. I have been on several occasions accused of committing offences that I do not even know,” he said.
derick.khumalo