Online Reporter
Getrude Manyande, [email protected]
A 21-YEAR-OLD Tsholotsho herdsman has appeared in court for allegedly raping his employer’s 17-year-old daughter at a homestead in Nyamandlovu, Umguza District.
The accused appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mark Dzira facing a rape charge. He was remanded in custody to August 21 for trial.
Prosecuting, Ms Rumbidzai Gwishiri told the court that on August 13 at about 4AM, the accused was at his employer’s homestead in West Junction, Nyamandlovu, where the complainant was sleeping in her room.
The court heard that the room had no door and the accused allegedly took advantage of the situation.
It was alleged that he entered the room while the teenager was asleep before covering her mouth with his hands, pushing her to the ground and allegedly raping her.
“The accused raped the complainant after which he returned to his room while the complainant dressed and went to his parents’ room, where she narrated her ordeal,” said Ms Gwishiri.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to accused’s arrest.
The complainant was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The accused, however, denied the allegations, telling the court that he had engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with the complainant.
