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Thandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A 23-YEAR-OLD rape suspect from Figtree wet his pants during his trial in Bulawayo yesterday.

Martin Dube, employed as a herdsman, allegedly raped his neighbour’s Grade Six daughter who was on her way to fetch water. Regional magistrate Abednico Ndebele had to adjourn the court and ask Dube to mop his urine.

“I don’t see the reason why you failed to notify the courts you wanted to relieve yourself. Even a Grade Zero pupil can speak up and ask to use the toilet,” said magistrate Ndebele.

Dube, who is being represented by Gary Sengweni of T Hara and Partners, pleaded not guilty to rape charges saying he was set up by the girl’s stepmother who hates his employer.

“This girl didn’t come to my place of residence and she was in the company of her grandmother on the day of the alleged offence. After fetching water, she went with her brother and there’s no way I could have sexually abused her.

“This rape story was fabricated to fix me by the girl’s stepmother who is not in good books with my employer. A long period elapsed before a report was made which further shows that the story is not factual,” said Dube.

Magistrate Ndebele remanded Dube in custody to tomorrow for judgment.

Prosecuting, Concilia Ncube said on May 4 at around 4PM the girl, who is doing Grade Six, proceeded to Tawengwa Hara’s homestead to fetch water where Dube is employed.

“Upon arrival she found Dube alone. Dube then called her into his room and closed his bedroom door. He undressed the girl before forcing her to lie on her back. He then raped her once. The girl got up and dressed before fetching water and proceeding home,” she said.

Ncube said the girl did not report the matter to anyone until her aunt heard rumours that she was once seen leaving Dube’s room.

“Her aunt reported the matter to a child protection officer who interviewed the girl. During the interview the girl revealed that she was raped, leading to Dube’s arrest,” she said.