adminPatience Mutsiwi Midlands Reporter
AN HIV positive man from Zvishavane who raped a Gade Six pupil and tried to silence her with $5 has been jailed for 15 years. A medical report which was produced in court showed that the girl was not infected with any sexually transmitted disease or HIV. Daniel Zivurawa (38) of Muvengiwa village under Chief Masunda pleaded not guilty to rape charges when he appeared before Gweru Magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire.
He was, however, convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him. The magistrate sentenced him to 15 years in jail and suspended three years on condition of good behaviour. Prosecuting, Mr Andrew Marimo said in November last year at around 4PM, Zivurawa met the complainant on her way from school and told her that he had good news for her.
She ignored him and continued walking home. Mr Marimo said Zivurawa blocked the girl’s way and dragged her to a nearby bush. He tied her hands with a rope and stuffed her mouth with a cloth.
The court heard that Zivurawa then undressed and raped the defenceless girl once without using any protection fully aware that he was on treatment for HIV. After the rape, Zivurawa then offered the girl $5 to conceal the matter.
“A herd boy who was herding cattle heard the girl screaming and walked towards the direction of the screams. “The boy met the pupil on her way home and inquired what the problem was,” said Mr Marimo.
The girl pointed at the man who was following her and the herd boy took her back to school and informed the school’s headmaster about the rape. — @patiemtsiwi.
Online Reporter