adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A FARM worker who raped his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter was yesterday sentenced to 15 years in jail. Martin Dube, 23, of Figtree, is a farm labourer at a property owned by prominent Bulawayo lawyer, Tawengwa Hara. Dube made headlines last week after wetting his pants in court. He had pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape.
Regional magistrate Abedneco Ndebele convicted him due to overwhelming evidence.
Ndebele bemoaned the increase in rape cases in the country.
“You’re therefore sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, of which three years are suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour,” said magistrate Ndebele.
Dube, who was represented by Gary Sengweni of T Hara and Partners, had told his trial he was set up by the girl’s stepmother whom he claimed hates his employer.
“This girl didn’t come to my homestead and she was with her grandmother on the day of the alleged offence. After fetching water, she left with her brother. There’s no way I could’ve sexually abused her,” he pleaded.
“This rape story was fabricated to frame me by the girl’s stepmother who isn’t in good books with my employer. A long period elapsed before a report was made which further shows that the story isn’t factual.”
Prosecuting, Concilia Ncube said on May 4 at around 4PM, the victim, a Grade 6 pupil, went to Hara’s homestead where Dube is employed, to fetch water.
“Upon arrival she found Dube alone. Dube called her into his room and closed his bedroom door. He undressed the girl before forcing her to lie on her back. He then raped her once. The girl got up and dressed before fetching water and proceeding home,” she said.
Ncube said the girl did not report the matter to anyone until her aunt heard rumours that she had once been seen leaving Dube’s room.
“Her aunt reported the matter to a child protection officer who interviewed the girl. During the interview the girl revealed that she was raped, leading to Dube’s arrest,” she said.
Givemore Shoko, also employed by Hara, was on Monday remanded to Friday for judgment.
He is facing charges of raping the same girl.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter