By Tatenda Gapare
A man from Pelandaba in Bulawayo allegedly raped his niece on different occasions claiming that the girl’s mother was aware why he was continually doing the heinous act.
This came to light when the 30-year-old appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso facing rape charges. He was remanded in custody to 16 May for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on a date unknown but in 2014, the girl (17) was in a spare bedroom with her uncle’s four-year-old child.
“His wife had gone to Mbalabala and he was left alone with the children. He called the girl to his bedroom and she complied.
“Upon entry she sat on a plastic container waiting to hear what her uncle was saying. He then took a blanket which he used to cover the girl’s body before grabbing and throwing her on the bed,” he said.
The court heard that the accused went on to tear the girl’s jean trousers and had sexual intercourse with her once, without protection and without her consent. The girl reported the matter to her aunt but she did not take any action. Instead she chose to keep quiet.
“On a date unknown again in 2015 at about 10pm the girl was at home when the accused asked her to accompany him to buy cigarettes at Iminyela shops. They went to the shops together and they used a footpath which passes between Induba Primary School and a garden behind the school,” he said.
The court heard that when they were near the small gate of Induba Primary School he grabbed the girl and forced her to lie on the grass. He then removed her clothes and had sexual intercourse with her once without her consent.
“When the girl asked him why he was continuously raping her he commanded her to go ask her mother, claiming she knew why he did that. The following day the girl reported the matter to her aunt and for the second time she did not take any action and chose to be quiet,” said Mr Mageza.
The court heard that the girl reported the matter to another aunt who helped her to make a police report.
