Online Reporter
Moreblessing Ncube
A 66-YEAR-OLD woman from Nkayi endured a night of terror after a man from her own village allegedly forced his way into her hut and sexually assaulted her while she slept.
Timothy Sibanda (27) of Sibhalwa Village in Nesigwe, appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Taurai Manwere, facing a charge of rape. He was remanded in custody until 18 October as investigations continue.
According to Prosecutor Nomthandazo Mafu, the incident occurred on 11 August around 10 PM, when the elderly woman was asleep in her bedroom hut.
She was jolted awake by the sound of her door creaking open. When she asked who was there, no one answered. Moments later, Sibanda allegedly stormed in, stripped naked and pounced on her.
He reportedly grabbed her by the neck, tore off her petticoat and sexually assaulted her despite her desperate screams and attempts to fight him off. When she tried to escape outside, he allegedly dragged her back into the hut and continued the assault.
The elderly woman’s cries went unanswered as her two closest neighbours were away that night, leaving her helpless in the dark.
In her testimony, she said the accused even tried to engage her in conversation during the horrifying ordeal — a revelation that stunned the courtroom into murmurs of disbelief.
The next morning, the traumatised woman reported the incident to Chief Khumalo, who immediately directed her to Nesigwe Police Base. The accused was later arrested.
In court, Sibanda denied the rape charge, claiming the encounter was consensual and that the two were in a relationship.
The magistrate ordered that he remain in custody while the case proceeds to trial.
