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Thandeka Moyo, Court Reporter
A Nkayi man (20) has been jailed for 20 years for assaulting and raping a woman who was on her monthly period after she refused to give him $1 to buy cigarettes on Tuesday.
Nkosiphile Mpofu pleaded guilty to rape and assault before regional magistrate Mr Tranos Utahwashe.
He said he desperately needed cigarettes when his victim refused to give him money.
Mr Utahwashe jailed him for 20 years and bemoaned the increase of rape in the country.
“You’re therefore sentenced to 20 years imprisonment of which three years are suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour,” said Mr Utahwashe.
Prosecuting, Robin Mukura said on Tuesday at around 2PM, the woman (24) who is a domestic worker was walking alone along Kennilworth-Inyathi Road in Nkayi going to the main road.
“She then saw Mpofu who was also walking alone approaching her from the opposite direction. Mpofu greeted the woman and asked her for some money,” said Mr Mukura.
“The woman told Mpofu that she did not have any money and he immediately struck her with open hands and threatened to stab her with a knife.”
The court heard that Mpofu dragged the woman into a nearby bush and she screamed though no one heard her.
“While in the bush, Mpofu threatened to punish the woman by raping her since she had refused to give him money. He then raped her once and ran away leaving her behind,” Mr Mukura said.
“The woman made a report and after investigations, Mpofu was arrested.”
@thamamoe
Online Reporter