By Meditation Mposi
A 35-year-old Chivi man is accused of raping his 12-year-old cousin in Bikita where he worked as a domestic helper.
The accused (name withheld to protect the minor) appeared before Mavingo Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka on rape charges.
It is the state’s case that the accused who was working at the complainant’s homestead as a domestic worker sometime in January this year was left with the complainant together with her two brothers aged nine and 14 while the mother went to Shurugwi.
On an unknown date in the same month, the complainant was left alone at home with the accused while her two brothers went to herd cattle.
The accused then went to the bathroom, and called the complainant to bring him his cellphone which was in the bedroom, which she did.
The accused instructed the complainant to get into the bathroom where he raped her once before asking her not to tell anyone about it.
The complainant later informed her mother upon her return on May 11, after which she reported the matter to the police.
The accused was remanded in custody for continuation of trial on October 4, 2024.
