A MUGODHI Apostolic Church prophet in Marange was last week arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old epileptic patient before threatening to curse her with mental illness if she reported the matter.

Blessing Kukumidza (30) of Tsvarai Village was not asked to plead when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.

He was remanded in custody to December 9 and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Kukumidza had difficulties in walking when he appeared in court after he was allegedly assaulted by the young woman’s relatives and neighbours.

Mr Brian Goto prosecuted.

“The accused raped the complainant once.

“After the rape, the complainant reported the matter to some church members who went on to inform the young woman’s parents.

“The matter was reported to the police, thereby leading to Kukumidza’s arrest,” said Mr Goto.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Ms Margaret Sangarwe is on record saying twenty two women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, with one woman abused every 75 minutes.

One in three girls is raped or sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18.

Meanwhile, a Mutare man allegedly bashed his girlfriend as he accused her of infecting him with a sexually transmitted disease.

Tendai Muradzikwa (24) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Tamara Chibindi.

He was sentenced him to 15 days behind bars or alternatively to pay a fine of $1 500.

The court heard that on November 20, Tariro Mushamba was walking in Dangamvura when he met Muradzikwa.

Muradzikwa started shouting at Tariro, accusing her of infecting him with an STI.

Tariro denied the allegations, but Muradzikwa went on to assault her all over the body.

She sustained head injuries and bruises.

While there are various forms of violence against women, the most common is the violence perpetrated by their intimate partners.-B-Metro