Danisa Masuku
A nine-year-old girl’s innocent playtime allegedly turned into a nightmare when a 26-year-old man lured her to his house in Upper Rangemore, Bulawayo, and sexually assaulted her.
Tawanda Paul Mupereki appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Mark Dzira on Wednesday facing one count of rape as defined in Section 65 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
He was not asked to plead to the charge but indicated that he would plead not guilty during trial. He was remanded in custody to 11 November.
Mupereki is represented by Mr Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayombe Law Firm.
Prosecuting, Mr Rugara told the court that sometime in March 2026, the complainant, a Grade
Three pupil from Magwegwe North, was playing on the road when Mupereki allegedly approached her.
The court heard that he allegedly lured the girl to his house in Upper Rangemore under unclear pretences.
“Upon arrival at his house, the accused locked the door and carried out the sickening attack. After committing the alleged act, he told her to dress up and ordered her to leave the house,” Mr Rugara told the court.
The girl later reportedly narrated her ordeal to her mother, who made a police report. She was subsequently referred to hospital for medical examination and counselling.
The State alleges that Mupereki had unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor, in violation of the law.
During his bail application, Mr Madzivire argued that his client was a suitable candidate for bail, saying he had a fixed place of residence and was not a flight risk.
“The accused person resides in Upper Rangemore and is willing to abide by bail conditions. He will not interfere with State witnesses who are known to him as neighbours,” submitted Mr Madzivire.
However, Mr Rugara opposed bail, arguing that the complainant was a minor who lived in the same neighbourhood as the accused.
“The State fears the accused may interfere with the complainant who is a 9-year-old minor and lives in the same neighbourhood. The offence is serious,” said Mr Rugara.
