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Thandeka Moyo, Court Reporter
TWO Bulawayo kombi drivers were yesterday arraigned for allegedly taking turns to rape a Form Three pupil.
Andrew Phiri (21) and Bhekimpilo Phakathi (31) both from Old Lobengula suburb allegedly raped the girl in June.
The pair appeared before senior regional magistrate Mr Tranos Utahwashe facing rape charges. He remanded them in custody to August 23 for commencement of trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Robin Mukura alleges that on June 8 at around 7PM, the girl was in a kombi heading to Old Lobengula, driven by Phakathi.
“When they got to Njube Road intersection, the two drivers stopped her from getting off the kombi. When they reached Siyephambili Drive, Phakathi parked the car on the roadside,” said Mr Mukura.
It is alleged that Phiri grabbed the girl and pulled down her skirt and raped her once while Phakathi covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
“After he finished, they exchanged and Phiri covered the girl’s mouth while Phakathi raped her once.
“The two then kicked the girl out of the kombi and drove away,” he said.
Mr Mukura said the matter came to light when the girl was taken to school by her aunt to find out why she had not been attending school.
“She then narrated her ordeal to her counselling teacher and aunt and they accompanied her to Njube Police Station where they made a report.
“The girl was taken to hospital for a medical examination.”
@thamamoe.
Online Reporter