Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara
A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Nkayi has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl at knifepoint after she rejected his advances.
Thembinkosi Mlotshwa of Kimbi Village under Chief Dakamela was convicted of rape by Bulawayo regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira.
In passing sentence, the magistrate cited aggravating circumstances, noting that the accused threatened the complainant with a knife before committing the offence.
“While the accused is young, the offence was committed in aggravating circumstances, hence a 15-year jail term would meet the justice of the case,” ruled Mr Dzira.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada told the court that on January 22 at around 7AM, the complainant was walking alone along a bushy footpath on her way to school when Mlotshwa, who was riding a bicycle, noticed her from a distance.
The court heard that when he caught up with her, he approached the teenager and proposed a romantic relationship, but she refused.
“The accused approached the complainant and proposed love to her, but she turned him down. The accused got angry and pulled out a knife from his trousers pocket and threatened to stab the complainant for refusing to comply with his demands,” said Mr Mada.
He then grabbed her by the throat, dragged her into nearby bushes and forcibly removed her skirt before raping her, while threatening to kill her if she screamed.
After the attack, Mlotshwa fled the scene, while the complainant went on to school and reported the matter to school authorities. The case was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest. The complainant was referred to hospital for medical examination.
