A man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl left in his custody shocked the court last week when he told Zvishavane Magistrate, Story Rushambwa that he was not guilty of rape because he only inserted his fingers into the girl’s private parts.
Nabson Rupondo (49) of Chikudze Village, Chief Mtekedza Chivhu who was left in custody of two minors in October last year was brought to court by the parents of the two who allege that he raped one of the children twice.
It is the State case that sometime in October last year, at a stand at Dadaya Turn Off, Zvishavane Rupondo raped a the juvenile left in his custody after the parents went to their rural home.
Prosecutor Sheila Mupindu told the court that on the first count, the accused who is a friend of the complainant’s father sneaked into the juvenile’s blankets and removed her pants whilst she was asleep. He raped her once.
The minor only woke up to find the accused on top of her. The complainant cried out for help but was allegedly ordered to keep quiet. He also allegedly raped the girl on the second night.
It is alleged that the accused threatened the complainant and ordered hernot to tell her parents. The complainant did not tell anyone but the issue came to light on February 22, 2015 when she was interviewed by her mother after her teacher suspected that the complainant was sexually abused.
The complainant was examined at Zvishavane General Hospital. In his defense the accused who pleaded not guilty told the court that he only inserted his fingers into the child’s private parts. masvingo mirror