adminShamiso Dzingire Court Reporter
A 12-YEAR-OLD rape victim yesterday collapsed outside court and was rushed to hospital, moments after her alleged attacker appeared in court. The girl, who was allegedly raped by her 30-year-old neighbour, collapsed outside Western Commonage magistrates’ courts as she was on her way home. She was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital where her condition could not be ascertained by the time of going to print.
The traumatised juvenile was accompanied by her grandmother to hospital.
The alleged rapist, Susani Ndlovu of Emganwini suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze facing one count of rape.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to August 5.
Magistrate Marondedze advised Ndlovu to apply for bail at the High Court.
Prosecuting, Mufaro Mageza said sometime in January this year, the juvenile was sent by her grandmother to their neighbour’s house to collect her phone which was being charged there.
He said upon arrival, the girl knocked at the door and Ndlovu responded inviting her inside.
Mageza said: “While inside, Ndlovu drew a knife and ordered the girl not to scream. He forcibly kissed the girl while fondling her without her consent. He pushed the girl into his bedroom where he forced himself on her once.”
The court heard that the juvenile tried to scream but Ndlovu covered her mouth with his hands threatening to stab her with the knife.
After raping the juvenile, Ndlovu allegedly ordered her not to tell anyone about the assault.
Mageza said on July 11, the girl’s grandmother noticed that she was crying and asked her what the problem was and the girl revealed that she had been raped.
He said a report was made at Nkulumane Police Station leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
derick.khumalo