Online Reporter
Mashudu Mambo
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed the court as a 14-year-old girl from Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North province narrated how her 25-year-old uncle raped her on six occasions.
The man, whose name cannot be disclosed for ethical reasons, appeared before the Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza facing a charge of rape. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody until Friday.
State allegations against the perpetrator are that on 3 August 2024, at a homestead in Mamima line, the victim’s grandmother left her home together with the accused and went to a funeral in Tshitatshawa.
At around 2pm, the culprit called the juvenile to his bedroom and told her that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her.
He threatened to assault her if she refused. The culprit forced the juvenile to lie down on the ground, undressed her and raped her once.
The culprit continued having forced sexual intercourse with the victim whenever her grandmother was not around. He raped the juvenile on about six different occasions.
On 13 October 2024, the victim told her grandmother that she needed to go to the hospital because she was feeling some pain in her private part as her uncle was sexually abusing her.
The next day, the victim was taken to Makhaza Clinic where she narrated the matter to a nurse. The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the culprit.
The victim was referred to the hospital for medical examination and a medical report was produced in court as evidence.
