Pastor ‘rape’ trio granted bail

THREE women who allegedly detained and “raped” a pastor last month have been granted bail.

Sandra Ncube (21), Riamuhetsi Mlauzi (23) and Mongiwe Mpofu (25), who reside at the same house in Cowdray Park suburb, allegedly “raped” a pastor from a local church when he visited to demand money he was owed by one of them.

They appeared before magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube, charged with aggravated indecent assault.

Mr Ncube granted them free bail on Wednesday and referred the matter to Bulawayo Regional Court for trial on September 9. Prosecuting, Mr Petros Shoko said the complainant had gone to the women’s residence to demand money from Mlauzi last month.

“On July 14, 2017, at around 7PM, the complainant went to the three accused persons’ residence to collect his money from Riamuhetsi Mlauzi,” said the prosecutor.

The court heard that the complainant was ushered into the house before Ncube held him by the waist and fondled his private parts.

“They forced him to lie on the bed and undressed him. Mlauzi sat on his chest and he tried to push her away. However, Mpofu, who was in the same room, held his legs together and sat on top, pressing him against the bed,” said Mr Shoko.

“Ncube had sexual intercourse with the complainant once, without his consent,” said Mr Shoko.

During trial, the trio denied “raping” the complainant but admitted indecently assaulting him.

They said they committed the offence to prove to the pastor that he had feelings just like any normal human being. — @NyarieBakie