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Thandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A MAN from Tsholotsho allegedly raped his neighbour’s daughter and later gave her a watermelon to buy her silence. Malvin Ncube, 19, from Gariya Line, allegedly pounced on the girl and dragged her into a bush after he spotted her walking past his homestead. Ncube pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape when he appeared before regional magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere.

He told the court that he did not commit the offence as he was not at home at the time the alleged rape took place. Mr Mberewere remanded him in custody to July 17 for continuation of trial.

Prosecuting, Ms Paida Zengeni alleged that on April 1 this year at around 10AM, the girl, who is a Grade Five pupil, was sent to ask for flowers from their neighbour by her mother.

“While on her way, she passed by Ncube who was digging in his homestead. Ncube then waited and spotted the girl walking on her way back home before he tip toed following behind,” said Ms Zengeni.

She said Ncube caught up with the girl and dragged her into a nearby bush. “He then pushed the girl to the ground and undressed her. Ncube raped the girl once and dressed up quickly.”

Ms Zengeni said Ncube took one watermelon and gave the girl as a bribe. “The girl refused to accept the watermelon and ran home where she informed her mother of the sexual assault. She was taken to hospital for examination and Ncube was arrested.”