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Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
A MAN who allegedly invited a desperate 17-year-old job seeker to his house under the pretext of offering her accommodation before raping her for two days while holding her hostage, has applied for bail.

Nkululeko Mahlangu (58) of Siganda area in Inyathi is facing rape and unlawful detention charges. He allegedly kept the 17-year-old girl prisoner in his one-hut homestead and raped her for two nights.

Mahlangu, through his lawyers VJ Mpofu and Associates, filed an application for bail pending trial at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as the respondent.

Mahlangu is denying the charges and wants an order admitting him to $100 bail with conditions that include reporting once a week at Tshabalala Police Station and residing at his given address as well as not interfering with witnesses.

According to court papers, on October 4 this year at around 11PM, the complainant left home at Village 6 in Siganda area in search of a job. After walking a long distance, she decided to rest at Cross Majiji.

Mahlangu came across the complainant and offered her a place to sleep as she had no specific destination. The girl agreed and followed Mahlangu to his place of residence which comprised a single hut.

On the same night, Mahlangu prepared a meal and they retired to sleep on the same bed. At around midnight, Mahlangu allegedly raped the complainant once while threatening to assault her and send her away if she dared yell or resist.

On the following morning, Mahlangu left the girl in the hut and locked her inside. He returned later at night and allegedly raped the girl for the second time.

Mahlangu only freed the girl two days later and ordered her to stay in the bush until night time. The girl was discovered by one Mr Hlabangani Sibanda while seated in the bush at night. The complainant narrated her story to Mr Sibanda who reported the matter to the police on the following day leading to Mahlangu’s arrest.

The State is yet to respond to Mahlangu’s application.—@mashnets