Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 21-year-old man from Bulawayo has been acquitted of rape charges after medical evidence failed to substantiate the allegations. Siyabonga Moyo, of Pumula East suburb, pleaded not guilty to the charge of raping a 16-year-old girl when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mrs Sibongile Marondedze.
He told the court that the allegations were fabricated and denied ever being intimate with the complainant.
The complainant was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital after reporting the alleged incident, which was said to have occurred in November last year. She also alleged that Moyo had physically assaulted her, claiming he had used a knife to cut her leg.
However, a medical examination found no evidence to support these claims. The doctor reported no signs of physical injury or assault. The court also heard that the complainant exhibited signs of emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts.
Mrs Marondedze ruled that the evidence presented by the State was inconsistent and not supported by medical expert findings. She stated that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in Moyo’s acquittal.
Prosecutor Ms Christina Manyika told the court that the alleged rape took place in November 2024. Moyo was said to have been at the complainant’s home, where he had previously stayed, and allegedly called her inside.
It was alleged that he dragged the complainant into the house, pushed her onto a sofa, and overpowered her despite her attempts to resist.
Moyo was accused of using one hand to restrain the complainant while using the other to lift her dress and allegedly raped her once.
The allegations further stated that he did not use protection and, after the incident, threatened the complainant by striking her right foot with a knife and warning her not to disclose the matter, threatening to kill her if she did.
The matter came to light in February 2025 when the complainant’s sister found her holding a knife and attempting to take her own life. Upon being asked what was wrong, the complainant disclosed the alleged rape.
Her sister then accompanied her to the police to report the matter, which led to Moyo’s arrest. They were subsequently referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for examination.
