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MANZINI - A man was seriously injured when he was assaulted by community members for allegedly raping a woman at Ngwane Park.

Phumlani Maziya (28) of Ngwane Park was assaulted by about 10 community members with open hands, a sjambok, a rod and sticks on his face and body. He sustained injuries on his body and jaw, and upon his arrest last Wednesday, he was allegedly denied the opportunity to call an attorney.

Maziya stands accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with *Nosimilo, a 21-yearold woman without using a protection. The alleged crime was committed at Ngwane Park on New Year’s Eve last year.

According to court documents, the accused is said to have confirmed that the offence took place in December.

Alcohol

He reportedly met the complainant and ‘touched’ her, while he was under the influence of alcohol. It was further disclosed in court that he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The accused is also said to have told the court that he was denied access to contact a lawyer, when he asked for the opportunity at around 4pm. He was purportedly promised that this would happen, but in van.

Meanwhile, the court reportedly advised that he had the right to contact an attorney and nobody can or should have barred him from doing so.

The accused appeared before Manzini Acting Magistrate Thamsanqa Ndlovu, charged with contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act. He has been remanded in custody until today, pending committal to the High Court.

*Name withheld to protect survivor