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Shamiso Dzingire Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man who allegedly raped the 12-year-old girl that collapsed outside court last week was yesterday granted $50 bail with stringent conditions.

The rape victim collapsed outside the Western Commonage magistrates court and was rushed to hospital, moments after seeing her attacker arraigned on rape charges.

Magistrate Sibongile Msipa Marondedze granted $50 bail to Susani Ndlovu of Emganwini suburb after the investigating officer in the matter wrote an affidavit indicating that he was not opposed to bail.

In granting bail, Marondedze ordered Ndlovu to reside at the address stated in court papers.

“Bail is granted on condition that you deposit $50. You’re to report to Magwegwe police station once every Friday between 6AM and 6PM until the matter is finalised,” said the magistrate.

“You’re also to reside at the Magwegwe address and don’t interfere with any of the state witnesses.”

Marondedze ordered Ndlovu not to visit his parents’ house in Emganwini since the victim is their neighbour.

Charges against Ndlovu are that sometime in January this year, the juvenile was sent by her grandmother to their neighbour’s house to collect her phone which was being charged there.

Prosecutor, Mufaro Mageza said the girl knocked on the door and Ndlovu came out and invited her inside.

Mageza said: “Once inside, Ndlovu drew a knife and ordered the girl not to scream. He forcibly kissed the girl and touched her all over the body. He pushed the girl into his bedroom where he forced her to lie down before raping her once.”

The court heard that the juvenile tried to scream but Ndlovu covered her mouth with his hands and threatened to stab her with the knife.

After raping the juvenile, Ndlovu allegedly ordered her not to tell anyone about the matter.

Mageza said on July 11, the girl’s grandmother noticed that she was crying and asked her what the problem was and the girl revealed what had happened.

The granny reported the matter at Nkulumane police station, leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

Police referred the girl to hospital for medical examination.

A medical report produced in court showed that the girl had been violated.