admin
Thandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A BULILIMA man who tied a boy to a tree before raping two Grade One pupils at knifepoint, one after the other, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Dumisani Moyo, 33, of Mbila area, raped two Grade One pupils in full view of their six-year-old school mate whom he had tied to a tree to stop him from seeking help.
Regional magistrate Chrispen Mberewere on Wednesday convicted Moyo of one count of rape as the other girl did not turn up in court to testify against him.
“After considering the evidence before this court, it’s clear that the State proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. You’re therefore found guilty as charged. You’re sentenced to 20 years imprisonment of which two years are suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour,” said magistrate Mberewere.
Prosecuting, Trust Muduma told the court that Moyo raped the two girls while holding a knife to force them into submission.
He said Moyo tied the boy to a tree to stop him from escaping and seeking help.
“The three juveniles were walking from school on January 16 this year when they met Moyo who lives in the same neighbourhood. He led them into a bush and ordered the two girls to lie down while he tied their school mate using his shoe laces to a tree,’’ said Muduma.
He said Moyo, who was armed with a knife, threatened to stab the girls if they attempted to flee.
“He then undressed and raped them, one after the other. Moyo then fled leaving the three children in the bush,” said Muduma.
He said the two girls rushed to a nearby homestead where they alerted villagers who untied the boy.
The matter was reported to the police and Moyo was arrested after he was separately identified by the three children.
Moyo is not new to controversy as he was in February sentenced to nine months imprisonment by a Plumtree magistrate for unlawful entry and theft.
Bongani Ndlovu