Man appears in court for raping minor in Kombi

A 27 year old man from Mabhidhi Village, Beitbridge, appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of indecent assault and rape of a 14-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on 23 December 2024 at the Beitbridge Border Post.

According to National Prosecuting Authority, the young girl was traveling with her parents from South Africa to Zimbabwe in a Toyota Hiace. The accused was also a passenger in the same vehicle.

While the girl’s parents were busy with customs clearance, the accused allegedly took advantage of the situation. He fondled the girl’s breasts, inserted his fingers into her private parts, and then raped her.

The matter only came to light when the girl requested her mother to accompany her to the toilet to change her clothes. Upon inquiry, the girl revealed the horrific ordeal she had endured. Her mother immediately reported the incident to the police at the Beitbridge border post, leading to the arrest of the accused person.

The accused has been remanded to 10 January 2025, for trial.