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A 62-YEAR-OLD man from Inyathi allegedly raped a 20-year-old woman from his village while holding a knife to her throat.
Gilbert Mpala from Tara Farm Village appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Taurai Manwere, who remanded him in custody until 18 March.
He is facing a charge of rape and was not asked to plead.
According to the State, the disturbing incident occurred on 23 October 2025. It is alleged that at around 10PM, the complainant was sleeping alone in her bedroom when Mpala struck.
Prosecuting, Nomthandazo Mafu told the court that Mpala proceeded to the complainant’s place of residence and pushed the unlocked door, gaining entry into the room where she was sleeping.
When the complainant attempted to scream for help, Mpala became aggressive. He drew a Colombian knife from his trousers pocket and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands.
Mafu said Mpala forcibly pushed aside the complainant’s pink panties and squeezed her private parts using his hand.
The court heard that he then went on to have sexual intercourse with the complainant once, without protection and without her consent.
After the act, Mpala dressed up and left the homestead as if nothing had happened.
The traumatised complainant reportedly went to a nearby house and reported the matter to Allen Mleya, who then accompanied her to Inyathi Police Station where the case was formally reported.
Online Reporter