Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
A man, who was sentenced to 15 years in jail for attempted rape tried to flee justice by jumping from the third floor of the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court in a failed suicide bid on Wednesday.
Monwabisi Mhilwane (38) was convicted of attempting to rape his cousin on multiple occasions at Lortondale Village in Inyathi, Matabeleland North Province and sentenced by Bulawayo regional Magistrate, Ms Sibonginkosi Mnkandla.
Moments after the judgment was delivered, Mhilwane broke free from prison guards and jumped from the court building’s third floor in an apparent attempt to escape the conviction, but he survived with serious injuries.
Prosecutors, court staff and members of the public watched in horror as Mhilwane lay bloodied on the first floor, where he had landed.
Paramedics responded swiftly and he was rushed to hospital by an ambulance.
According to charges presented by State prosecutor Mr Jethro Mada, Mhilwane attempted to rape his 19-year-old cousin in February this year at their homestead.
He had molested the victim on several occasions and openly threatened, in front of other relatives, that he would rape her.
The matter was reported to the police after he was caught red-handed attempting to rape the victim.
Ms Mnkandla convicted him due to overwhelming evidence.
She noted that the victim was vulnerable and that Mhilwane had abused his responsibility as a relative.
Mr Mada said that on the day in question, Mhilwane proposed love to the victim while also asking to have sexual intercourse.
“The complainant denied and reported the matter to her cousin sister, who came and settled the matter since the parties are related,” he said.
The court also heard that on March 30 at around 8PM, while at their homestead, the victim retired to bed. Mhilwane followed her, pushed the door and entered the room.
He attempted to rape her and she screamed for help.
The complainant’s cousin sister, who was outside, came and rescued the complainant.
On another occasion, on April 30 at around 5AM, the victim went to the bush to relieve herself when Mhilwane followed and demanded sex.
“When the victim refused, he started throwing stones at her, prompting her to report the matter to the police station,” said Mr Mada.
