Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 42-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly gang-raping a 25-year-old woman with two accomplices who are still at large, before robbing her of a cellphone.
Gift Zvicheke of Old Magwegwe suburb appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure, charged with rape. He was remanded in custody until November 27 for trial.
Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court that the incident occurred on August 14 at around 7.30PM as the complainant was walking home after disembarking from a commuter omnibus.
“After the complainant had walked for about 400 metres, she met the accused person, who was walking with two accomplices. The accused persons suddenly grabbed the complainant and dragged her into a bushy area in Pumula South,” said Ms Manyika.
The court heard that while in the bush, the three men allegedly ordered the woman to undress before taking turns to rape her.
“After raping the complainant, the accused persons took her Samsung A06 cellphone, valued at US$110 and disappeared into the bush,” said Ms Manyika.
The complainant reported the matter at Pumula Police Station, leading to Zvicheke’s arrest. Police also recovered the stolen cellphone. She was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination.
