Sidumisile Mabena
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
A 36-YEAR-OLD Kezi man who ambushed his neighbour’s 15-year-old daughter while she was on her way home before raping her, has been jailed for 15 years.
Mbongeni Moyo pleaded not guilty to rape but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence by Gwanda regional magistrate, Mrs Sithembiso Ndebele.
In passing sentence, Ms Ndebele ruled that Moyo deserved a deterrent sentence, saying he was a danger to the community.
“The streets are no longer safe because of people like the accused person and therefore a sentence that would set an example for likeminded people is necessary,” she said.
Prosecuting, Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba said on December 16 at around 4PM, the complainant was coming from her grandmother’s homestead when she met the accused person who was also going the same direction and they walked together.
“Along the way Moyo proposed love to the complainant who turned him down. When they reached a bushy area Moyo grabbed the complainant and dragged to a secluded place where he raped her,” said Mr Shumba.
The court heard that soon after the offence, Moyo fled, leaving behind a cap that he was wearing at the scene.
Three passers-by arrived shortly after the incident and found the complainant crying.
Upon being asked, the girl narrated her ordeal.
“The three villagers took her home to her mother. The matter was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest,” said Mr Shumba.
-@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter