Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A BULAWAYO man accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing a 17-year-old Townsend High School pupil has applied for bail.
Lamone Chirikeno, from Barham Green suburb, first appeared last Friday before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira facing charges of kidnapping or unlawful detention and having sexual intercourse with a young person, under Sections 93(1)(b) and 70(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He was remanded in custody to today for his bail hearing.
Today, Chirikeno appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Lungile Ncube. He was represented by lawyer Gary Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice.
The court heard that on 20 September, Chirikeno allegedly kidnapped the girl and took her to his home. He reportedly had sexual intercourse with her multiple times, fully aware she was below the age of consent.
The girl’s mother alerted the police after posting pictures of her daughter on social media. A neighbour who saw the images on Facebook recognised the girl at Chirikeno’s home, helping authorities trace her.
The State, represented by Siphiwe Mhlanga, opposed bail, arguing that Chirikeno might interfere with witnesses given the seriousness of the crime.
Chirikeno is set to return to court tomorrow for the bail ruling.
