Rape victim (16) suffers asthma attack during ordeal

Musawenkosi Moyo

AN 18-YEAR-OLD boy from Magwegwe West suburb in Bulawayo who was accused of raping his neighbour’s 16-year-old daughter after she had rejected his love proposal, heaved a sigh of relief after the charges against him were commuted to those of having sexual intercourse with a minor.

This was after he appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Benhilda Chiwundura, who found him not guilty of rape but guilty of having sexual intercourse with a minor.

The court heard that on 12 December 2024, at around 8pm in Magwegwe West suburb, the accused met the complainant and proposed love to her. The complainant refused the offer, stating that she already had a boyfriend.

It was heard that the accused did not give up his pursuit and asked the complainant to accompany him for a short distance, and she agreed.

While they were walking along the road, the accused suddenly held the complainant’s hands, unzipped her trousers, and allegedly raped her.

It was further heard that the complainant, who suffers from asthma, experienced difficulty breathing and fell unconscious during the act.

Upon regaining consciousness, the accused proceeded to rape her again. The matter came to light when members of the neighbourhood watch, who had seen the accused holding onto the complainant, who was having difficulty walking, questioned them.

Throughout the trial, the accused denied the allegations levelled against him, claiming that the act was consensual.