A BUHERA man has been jailed 18 years for raping a 22-year-old mental health patient. Kudakwashe Bhiza (33) of Tangwena Village under Chief Nyashanu was convicted by Rusape regional magistrate, Mr Livingstone Chipadza who suspended three years of the sentence on condition of good behaviour. Bhiza, a married man, pleaded guilty to the offence telling the court that he was prepared to marry his victim.
Public prosecutor, Mr Tafara Chawatama, told the court that Bhiza proposed love to the woman and later raped her. At law, a mental patient cannot consent to sexual intercourse.
“On July 15, 2015 around 9am, the accused was selling his wares and he found the complainant alone at her homestead. Bhiza proposed love to the complainant and she accepted. After the proposal Bhiza went away. On the same day at around 3pm the accused person returned to the complainant and he asked her to accompany her to Mvurachena River and she complied.
“Upon arrival Bhiza proceeded to rape her. The matter came to light when a relative of the woman heard about the case. A police report was made leading to Bhiza’s arrest,” said Mr Chawatama. State Media