Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 32-YEAR-OLD Tsholotsho man has been slapped with a 15-year prison sentence after attempting to rape a woman outside a local bar.
Tholakele Ncube, from Efusini suburb, was convicted of attempted rape by Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira.
Prosecutor Jethro Mada told the court the shocking incident happened on August 24 around 9PM at Sizalendaba Sports Bar in Tsholotsho town centre. The complainant had stepped outside briefly while drinking with friends when Ncube followed her.
“The accused slapped the complainant and dragged her to a darker area, pushing her to the ground and trying to rape her,” said Mada. Thankfully, the attack was unsuccessful as the woman’s tight clothing prevented the assault.
A desperate struggle followed, with the victim screaming for help. A passerby rushed to her aid, forcing Ncube to flee. The woman was left bleeding from the stomach, with a swollen eye and cuts, before filing a report at Tsholotsho Police Station, leading to Ncube’s arrest.
Justice was swift and firm, leaving the town shaken but reassured that such attacks carry serious consequences.
derick.khumalo