Maid (17) ‘rapes’ employer’s son (11

By Tendai Rupapa

HARARE – A 17-year-old maid, who allegedly forced her employer’s 11-year-old son to be intimate with her on different occasions for a month, has appeared in court. She reportedly threatened the boy with death if he disclosed the crime, the court heard.

The matter came to light after the boy contracted a sexually transmitted disease. The maid was not asked to plead to a charge of aggravated indecent assault when she appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei.

She was released into the custody of her mother and was remanded to May 3. Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira alleged that sometime in September last year, the girl was employed by the boy’s parents as a maid. The boy shared his room with the girl though sleeping on different beds.

The maid, who had been at the house for two days, allegedly took advantage of the sleeping arrangement and abused the boy without protection. After the act, the court heard that the girl threatened to assault the boy if he reported the matter to anyone.

According to the prosecution the abuse went on for a month and the boy never disclosed the offence to anyone. The offence came to light after the girl resigned when the boy started having difficulties in walking.

The boy’s aunt questioned him and he later opened up and the matter was reported to the police.

In a related case, a 19-year-old boy allegedly indecently assaulted his eight-year-old sister when he allegedly inserted his fingers into her privates on the pretext he was testing her virginity. After the act, the boy produced a knife and threatened his sister with death if she disclosed the offence.

The boy who is being represented by Ms Verna Chiedza Maramba was not asked to plead to charges of aggravated indecent assault when he appeared before the same magistrate. He was granted US$50 bail with the State’s consent and his trial date has been set for May 14.