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AN 18-year-old Gwanda teenager has been arrested for raping his 12-year-old sister several times during the absence of their mother.
The teenager from Guyu area who cannot be named for ethical reasons was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing a rape charge last week. He was remanded in custody to 18 February. Prosecuting, Mr Takunda Mafudze said the teenager raped his younger sister during the period extending from January to August 2018.
“During the period extending from January-August the teenager took advantage of his mother’s absence and raped his 12-year-old sister on several occasions. In October last year the teenager went away and during his absence the juvenile revealed to her mother what her brother had done to her during her absence. The teenager was arrested on 2 February upon his return,” he said.
In another incident a 50-year-old Gwanda man has been arrested for raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter. The man who cannot be named for ethical reasons was not asked to plead when he appeared briefly before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a rape charge.
He was remanded in custody to Tuesday. Prosecuting, Mr Mncedisi Dube said the man who stays at DDF Training Centre in Gwanda first raped the juvenile on 26 December last year.
“On 26 December 2018 the accused person and his family were working in the fields. The complainant was then instructed by her mother to return home to cook food for the family. The accused person followed his stepdaughter home and raped her.
“The accused person further raped the juvenile on several occasions. The matter came to light when the complainant refused to have sexual intercourse with her stepfather and he went on to assault her. The juvenile revealed to her friend what her stepfather had been doing to her and her friend reported the matter to the complainant’s family,” he said.
In another matter a 13-year-old Kezi teenager appeared in court for allegedly raping his seven-year-old neighbour.
The boy from Lingwe Village who cannot be named for ethical reasons appeared briefly before Gwanda regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira facing a rape charge. The matter was, however, withdrawn before plea after the State indicated that the complainant was unable to give a meaningful testimony in court.
Prosecuting, Mr Blessing Gundani said the State had interviewed the girl but failed to solicit any evidence from her. He said a psychiatrists report had confirmed that the complainant was not fit to stand trial as she was suffering from moderate intellectual disability.Sunday News
