The man, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Dambudzo Malunga.

The court heard that the abuse began in 2019 when the victim, then nine years old, moved to stay with her mother and stepfather. The man took advantage of their living situation whereby they share a single-room to sexually assault the child multiple times.

The victim explained how her stepfather would force himself on her after ordering her siblings out of the room. She also revealed that she reported the abuse to a neighbour who dismissed her story.

Owen Mugari for the State, told the court that the complainant was abused for a long time. The accused who pleaded not guilty,was remanded to January 17 for continuation of trial.(chronicle)