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The accused, Mercy Sibanda of 2541 Makwasha in Zvishavane allegedly assisted Edgar Bolo, a tout at Mandava long distance bus terminus to rape the complainant.
The juvenile is Sibanda’s relative and had visited her from her rural home when she was raped. According to sources, on the fateful night when the girl arrived from her rural home, Sibanda called Bolo and asked him to have sexual intercourse with the girl without her consent.
Bolo reportedly went on to rape the complainant twice while Sibanda gagged her with her hands so that she could not scream. After the rape, Bolo paid Sibanda undisclosed amount of money for her services.
The complainant later discovered that after the rape Sibanda went on to steal $30 from her satchel.
The complainant reported the rape and theft to the police the following day but the two accused could not be located as they were on the run. Sibanda was only arrested last Sunday after police got a tip off from members of the public. Meanwhile, Sibanda was this week arraigned Before Zvishavane Magistrate, Mr Christopher Matutu to answer charges of rape and theft.
Sibanda was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 15 February. She was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Representing the State, Mr Vengayi Masvaya alleged that on 12 January this year, Sibanda invited the complainant for an overnight sleep in a one room she was renting in Makwasha. He said the accused and the complainant are related.
During the night, the court heard, Sibanda invited Bolo to her room and forced the juvenile to have sexual intercourse with him. Bolo is alleged to have raped the complainant twice while Sibanda gagged her using her hands.
Sibamda later stole $30 from the complainant.
The complainant reported the rape and theft to the police the following morning leading to the arrest of Sibanda last Sunday.
Sibanda’s accomplice, Bolo is still at large.- Chronicle
Online Reporter