Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 45-year-old man from Tsholotsho District has appeared in court for allegedly raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter on two separate occasions.
The man from Sipepa area, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube facing two counts of rape. He was remanded in custody to today for the commencement of trial.
The accused allegedly raped his stepdaughter at their home sometime in December last year and again in July this year.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada said that in December last year, the complainant was sleeping in her bedroom with her siblings when the accused sneaked into her blankets.
“The accused person slipped into the complainant’s blankets and started fondling her breasts and caressing her, prompting the complainant to wake up,” he said.
The court heard that the accused threatened to assault the complainant if she screamed before ordering her to remove her clothes and raping her.
Mr Mada told the court that during the second incident, which occurred in July this year, the complainant was sleeping in her bedroom hut when the accused again sneaked into her blankets.
“The complainant woke up and tried to wrestle with the accused, who managed to overpower her. He ordered the girl to undress before raping her,” he said.
The complainant screamed, prompting her mother to rush to her rescue. A report was made to the police, leading to the man’s arrest.
