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Courtney Matende Midlands Reporter
A 73-year-old man from Chirumanzu has been arrested for allegedly raping a 49-year-old mentally challenged woman.
Vitalis Gaika appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing two counts of rape. Gaika pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to July 11.
During trial, the complainant’s mother indicated that this was the second time it had happened. “Gaika raped my daughter twice before and I reported the matter to the village head,” she said.
“He was told to pay compensation in the form of a chicken, but he did not have it, so he was let off with a warning. I then listened to a radio programme that talked about mentally-challenged people who are sexually abused and I called the number that was announced on the programme and reported the matter.”
It is the State case that on April 9 last year at around 4pm, the complainant was sent by her mother to herd cattle. Gaika allegedly approached her saying he wanted to give her a baby and the complainant rejected the proposal. Gaika, who was carrying an axe on his back, allegedly got hold of the complainant and raped her twice.
The complainant then went home.
The court heard that the complainant’s mother asked her to bring the dishes that were outside into the kitchen, but she ignored her. Her mother noticed that her dress was wet at the back and she revealed her ordeal.
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