Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku,Online Reporter
A BULAWAYO man who is accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing a 17-year-old Townsend High School student for close to month has been granted bail.
Lamone Chirikeno, from Bulawayo’s 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 Tuesday for his bail hearing.
Chirikeno appeared Tuesday before Bulawayo regional magistrate Lungile Ncube for bail ruling. He was represented by lawyer Gary Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice.
The magistrate granted him US$200 bail. He was told to report once a week at Bulawayo Central Police Station.
Chirikeno was warned not to interfere with Sate witnesses. He was remanded out of custody to 11 November.
The court heard that last month 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 images of her daughter on social media. A neighbour who saw the images on Facebook recognised the girl at Chirikeno’s home and swiftly called police leading to his arrest.
Siphiwe Mhlanga appeared for the State.
