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Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo allegedly raped a 57-year-old woman twice at knife point before robbing her.

Mandlenkosi Phiri from Old Magwegwe suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube facing a robbery charge and two counts of rape.

Phiri was not asked to plead and Mr Ncube remanded him in custody to September 26 for a trial date.

“You will be in custody, but you are free to apply for bail at the High court,” said the magistrate.

Prosecuting, Mrs Memory Ndlovu said Phiri raped the woman, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, in Pumula East on a bush path as well as at a house that is under construction.

“On September 9 at around 8PM, the complainant was on her way home from Marisha beer garden. The accused grabbed her from behind and produced an okapi knife, demanding money from her,” said Mrs Ndlovu.

“He tripped her to the ground onto the grass, removed her pants and had unprotected sex with her without her consent. The accused forcibly took the complainant’s Samsung phone and shoes.”

Mrs Ndlovu said Phiri forced the woman to follow him to a house under construction and forced her to lie down, before raping her for the second time.

The court heard that the woman sought medical attention and a medical report would be produced as evidence in court.

@NyarieBakie