Man in court for raping neighbour

Bulawayo Bureau

A BULAWAYO man who allegedly kidnapped and indecently assaulted his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, has appeared in court.

The accused, aged 30 from Mzilikazi suburb, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Elisha Singano, and was not asked to plead.

He was remanded to today on $200 000 bail. The accused as part of his bail condition, was ordered to report to Mzilikazi Police Station twice a week and to continue residing at his given address until the matter was finalised.

Prosecuting, Ms Nomthandazo Mafu said sometime in February last year, the accused went to the complainant’s residence looking for the girl’s mother.

“On a date unknown but in February last year, the accused person went to the complainant’s house in Mzilikazi suburb looking for the complainant’s mother, but she was not at home. He then forcibly took the complainant to his house,” said Ms Mafu.

The court heard that upon arrival at his place, the accused took the victim to his bedroom where he indecently assaulted her by touching her on her privates. After the assault, the accused allegedly threatened to kill the complainant if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.

The complainant narrated her ordeal to her aunt and a report was made to the police leading to the accused’s arrest.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy from Inyathi in Bubi district who raped his 10-year-old sister in the absence of their mother, was yesterday sentenced to a wholly suspended prison term.

Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Joseph Mabeza convicted the juvenile of rape and sentenced him to three years in prison which were suspended for five years.

Prosecuting, Ms Portia Mashushu said sometime in November last year at around 1pm, the juvenile took advantage of their mother’s absence and sneaked into his sister’s room where he raped her.

The court heard that the accused continued to rape his sister each time the mother was away.

“On 8 January this year, the accused and the complainant visited their father who resides in Nkayi. During their stay, their father became suspicious of the manner the two behaved and he quizzed the boy before contacting their mother who told him that the boy was in the habit of sexually abusing his sister,” said Ms Mashushu.

A report was made to the police leading to the boy’s arrest. The complainant was referred to Nkayi District Hospital for medical examination.