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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A Beitbridge taxi driver who drugged and sexually abused his 15-year-old niece during New Year celebrations has been sentenced to two years in prison.
The man, 27, of Lutumba area under Chief Matibe, laced his niece’s soft drink with an unknown drug. The accused, who is the younger brother to the girl’s father, pleaded not guilty to having sexual intercourse with a minor when he appeared before Matabeleland South Regional magistrate, Joseph Mabeza.
He was, however, convicted due to overwhelming evidence and sentenced to 30 months in prison. Six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Johannes Tlou told the court that on January 2 at around 2AM, the complainant was among a group of people who were celebrating New Year at Lutumba Business Centre when her uncle arrived. He said the man approached the teenager and offered her a soft drink which was already opened.
She then became weak and drunk after taking the drink.
The man offered to drive her home along with a friend who was in the company of another woman.
After dropping the two, the man drove to a secluded area in the bush where he locked the vehicle’s doors and raped the already intoxicated victim.
Tlou said soon after committing the offence he ordered the complainant not to tell anyone about the crime and took her to her parents’ homestead on foot.
The teenager never told anyone about the incident until her mother, who was away, arrived home on February 3.
The matter was eventually reported to the police on February 15 leading to the arrest of the man.
Online Reporter