Online Reporter
Ryan Sibanda and Getrude Manyande Court Writers
A 28-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has appeared in court for allegedly robbing a teenage woman of U$40 before raping her at knifepoint.
Africa Maphosa appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate, Ms Patience Ururu, facing robbery and rape charges.
He was remanded in custody to July 31 for trial.
Prosecuting, Ms Concilia Ncube told the court that sometime in July at round 6PM, the complainant, who is aged 19, was on her way to her grandmother’s house when Maphosa who was armed with a knife confronted her.
“When the complainant reached a bushy area near Christ Embassy Church in Cowdray Park, the accused appeared from the opposite direction and ordered her to stop before robbing her of US$40 at knifepoint,” she said.
The court heard that after robbing the victim of her money, Maphosa allegedly force-marched her to a bushy area where he forcibly removed her clothes before raping her.
Soon after committing the offences, Maphosa fled from the scene. A report was made to the police and investigations led to Maphosa’s arrest and the complainant was subsequently referred to hospital for medical examination. The stolen money was not recovered.
Bongani Ndlovu