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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD orphaned Bulilima girl was allegedly raped on several occasions by her 19-year-old uncle she was sharing a bedroom with.
The girl, who is an ECD pupil at Butshe Primary School, lost her parents and she moved to her grandparents’ homestead.
The uncle who cannot be named for ethical reasons appeared before Plumtree magistrate, Mr Taurai Manwere facing rape charges.
He was remanded in custody to January 4.
Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said the matter came to light after a neighbour noticed that the girl had bruises on her private parts.
“In October the girl was staying at her grandparent’s homestead and she was sharing a bedroom with her uncle. One night her uncle ordered her to remove her clothes and sleep naked as it was hot.
“While she was asleep her uncle raped her and threatened to harm her if she revealed the assault to anyone. He repeated this on several nights until the girl reported the rape to her grandfather who only cautioned his son,” he said.
Mr Mazorodze said the girl later moved to stay with a neighbour who discovered the offence.
He said the neihgbour offered to stay with the girl after realising that her grandparents were ill treating her.
“The matter came to light on October 20 when the good Samaritan noticed that the girl had been abused.
“She questioned her and she revealed that her uncle had raped her on several occasions,” said Mr Mazorodze.
He said the matter was reported to the police leading to the uncle’s arrest.
@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter