Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A 38-YEAR-OLD Plumtree man who allegedly lured a 15-year-old girl into a bushy area in Luveve and raped her after pretending to help her find an address, was arrested at scene when he returned to look for hi phone.
Thabani Dumani of Mangwe District, is now facing rape allegations following the incident, which occurred near the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls railway line in Luveve 5.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest and said investigations were underway.
She said the incident occurred on 3 August at around 7am when the teenager from New Lobengula left home intending to visit a friend in Luveve 5.
While walking through the suburb, she asked Dumani for directions.
“The accused person indicated that he knew the address and offered to accompany her, which she agreed to,” said Inspector Msebele.
Instead of taking the complainant to her destination, Dumani led her into a bushy area near the Victoria Falls railway line.
He demanded sex as payment for helping her.
When the teenager refused, the suspect allegedly pushed her to the ground, strangled her and raped her without protection.
Inspector Msebele said after the attack, Dumani grabbed the complainant’s cellphone and fled, accidentally leaving behind his own mobile phone.
The teenager dressed herself, picked up the suspect’s phone and ran towards the railway line, where she sought help from two men.
The pair accompanied the complainant back to the scene, where they found Dumani searching for the cellphone he had left behind.
On seeing them, the suspect allegedly tried to run away but was chased, caught and taken to the police.
Inspector Msebele urged members of the public, particularly children and young women, to avoid following strangers to isolated places even when they appear helpful.
She also encouraged victims of sexual abuse to report offences to the police as soon as possible to allow investigations to begin promptly.
