Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda [email protected]
A 38-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing allegations of robbing and raping an 11-year-old Grade Six pupil after allegedly luring her into a bushy area in Cowdray Park.
The accused is also facing a separate robbery charge involving another complainant, Nhlosenhle Mpofu, arising from an incident allegedly committed on August 3.
Thabani Dumani, of Cowdray Park, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sibongile Mnkandla facing robbery and rape charges stemming from an alleged incident that occurred on July 27.
Prosecutor Ms Concelia Ncube told the court that the minor, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, was walking home from school at about 1.30PM when she allegedly encountered Dumani.
The court heard that the accused allegedly approached the girl, warned her that robbers were operating in the area and pretended to be assisting her to avoid an attack.
“It is alleged that Dumani told the girl that there were robbers operating in the area and led her into a bushy area, claiming that they were going to hide from the alleged robbers,” said Ms Ncube.
The State alleges that once they reached the secluded area, Dumani attacked the girl and robbed her of a cellphone and US$18 after threatening her with violence. He allegedly went on to sexually assault her without her consent.
The complainant was later referred to hospital for a medical examination. The court also heard that Dumani and the minor were previously unknown to each other.
In the second robbery charge, the State alleges that Dumani emerged from a bushy area near Luveve High School in Cowdray Park on August 3 and robbed Mpofu of an Itel 18 Pro cellphone.
It is alleged that he used threats of violence to force Mpofu to surrender the cellphone. The State maintains that Dumani acted unlawfully in both robbery incidents.
Dumani was remanded in custody to September 15 pending further proceedings.
