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Hwange Court Correspondent
A 24-YEAR-OLD Hwange man allegedly raped a mentally challenged vagrant after giving her chips and biscuits and promising her $5.
Desire Sibanda of Lusumbami in Hwange pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Hwange regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga yesterday.

He was remanded out of custody to August 4.

Prosecuting, Tawanda Sigauke said on January 10, Sibanda met the lady in a beer hall and promised to give her $5 in exchange for sex.
Sibanda took her to a nearby shop and bought her chips and biscuits.

“At Truck Inn, Sibanda bought one beer and asked her to accompany him to a nearby bush where he removed her clothing as she refused, claiming she wanted the $5.

“Sibanda pushed her to the ground and raped her. The matter was reported to the police before she was referred to St Patrick’s Hospital,” Sigauke said.

The victim and Constable Wellington Tomukayi corroborated the state’s case.

Testifying, Darlington Nhova said on the day, at Truck Inn, Sibanda approached him asking for condoms.

“I didn’t have them so I referred him to a colleague who gave him four strips and noticed he was with his mentally unstable victim. He came back after 20 minutes,” said Nhova.

He said he quizzed Sibanda what had happened in the bush to which he replied he had had intercourse with her after buying biscuits and chips.

“She (the victim) confirmed the account when I asked her adding Sibanda was supposed to top up $3 after the chips and biscuits.
“An argument ensued with patrons who wanted to assault Sibanda over his conduct but I advised them that we take him to police,” Nhova said.

In his defence Sibanda said he was drunk and claimed his victim was smartly dressed that he did not realise she had a mental condition.

“I requested for sexual favours and she wanted $5. I bought some chips and biscuits for her but because I didn’t have the money I never had intercourse with her,” said Sibanda.

Tonderai Mukuku of Marondedze, Mukuku and Partners represented Sibanda.