Man in court for raping 12-year-old girl

Magistrate Ashton Dube challenged Machika’s justification, saying his actions were a direct violation of the child’s rights and an obstruction of due legal process.

Dalyn Chigwizura

A 28-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court for allegedly luring a 12-year-old girl into an unfinished house in Upper Rangemore where raped her.

Sikhululusizi Mpofu from Upper Rangemore appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere. He was remanded in custody to September 8 for trial.

The prosecutor, Mr Milton Moyo, said the girl, walking from Nhlalo housing area in March 2022, was approached by Mpofu in a bushy spot.

“On that day, the complainant was coming from Nhlalo housing area in Upper Rangemore, when he met Mpofu in a bushy area,” he said.

Mpofu allegedly dragged her to an unfinished house, forced her to remove her school uniform, and raped her.
A report was made to the police leading to Mpofu’s arrest and the girl was referred to hospital for medical examination.