adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
AN 18-year-old Bulawayo girl was assaulted by her aunt after she told her that she had been raped by her cousin.
When the matter finally came to light, the family withdrew the rape charges in court yesterday saying she had forgiven him.
After being assaulted by her aunt, the rape victim allegedly opened up to her teacher who reported the matter to the police, leading to the man’s arrest.
However, yesterday the girl withdrew the charges before regional magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere saying her family had decided to settle the matter out court.
In an affidavit submitted before the court, she said: “I would like to withdraw the case levelled against him because he is my relative and I would like to maintain good relations among us. I would also want to give him a second chance since he is a first offender.”
Prosecuting Mr Simbarashe Manyiwa alleged that on April 22 this year, the man entered a room at a house in Old Pumula suburb where his cousin was sleeping.
“He got into her blankets and forcibly removed her clothes and raped her once with protection. Again on May 8, he went into her room and raped her once with protection,” said Mr Manyiwa.
The court heard that the girl told her aunt on May 10, but she assaulted her and did not report the matter to the police.
It is alleged that at one time the man’s wife saw condoms that he allegedly used when raping his cousin and questioned him, but he did not divulge the rape.
“The matter came to light when the girl notified her class teacher who made a police report. The man was granted $100 bail during his first appearance,” said Mr Manyiwa.
Online Reporter