Zimpapers Logo

Codelia Mondela, Court Reporter
A 24-YEAR-OLD Madlambuzi man allegedly raped a 58-year-old woman three times while she was harvesting maize and sweet reeds in her field.

Washington Ndlovu (24) appeared before magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza facing rape charges.

He pleaded not guilty and Mr Mabeza remanded him in custody to August 2 for continuation of trial.

Ndlovu said the woman was lying about the rape to fix her.

“I do not admit to the allegations because I am being accused for a crime I never committed. She and I had a misunderstanding because my family got her younger brother arrested for stealing, slaughtering a goat and throwing the hide down a toilet,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Dzipe said that on May 2 at around 5:30 PM, the woman was about to go home after spending the day in her field harvesting maize and sweet reeds when she was approached by Ndlovu from behind.

“Ndlovu covered her mouth, eyes and threw her to the ground. He threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter to anyone. He forced her to bend, pulled her skirt up and raped her from behind,” he said.

Mr Dzipe said Ndlovu forced her to lie on her back before raping her for the second time. He then caressed her and raped her for the third time.
The investigating officer in the matter Constable Dexter Batsira, testified in court.

He said the complainant came to make a report at Madlambuzi Police Post while having difficulties in walking.

“I accompanied her to Plumtree District Hospital where she was examined by a doctor who discovered a male discharge in her.

“After the alleged rape Ndlovu followed her and inquired from her if she knew the person who had raped her and she replied saying it was him even though she did not know his name,” Constable Batsira said. — @MondelaC