‘Rapist’ father deemed fit to stand trial

A MAN from Nkayi who allegedly raped his daughter has been deemed fit to stand trial after he was medically examined for mental health issues.

The man (41), who cannot be named to proect his minor victim, pleaded not guilty to a rape charge when he appeared before Bulawayo Regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza. He was remanded to today for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Dzipe told the court that the man instructed his two daughters to sleep in his hut claiming it was not safe for them to sleep alone in theirs.

“Sometime in January accused said complainant should sleep in his bedroom with her sister. In the middle of the night he woke complainant and removed all her clothes. He ordered her to sleep facing upwards and she complied. He raped her once,” said Mr Dzipe.

“Accused continued raping complainant on several occasions. Neighbours tipped the police as they noticed behavioural change in the complainant after she started sharing a hut with her father.”

Mr Dzipe said the children had been taken to Binga but they will be availed to testify in court.

An investigating officer who was notified of the offence stated in her statement that when she interviewed the two children they did not disclose the offence.

“I went to the homestead and interviewed the child but she did not disclose anything. With the help of the Social Welfare Department, we took the child to Nkayi District Hospital for medical examination. The report compiled showed that penetration was definite,” read the statement.

It further read that they took the child to a children’s home while they were carrying out further investigations.

“She narrated her ordeal after a few days. She said her father used to have sexual intercourse with her. She said her father threatened to hit her with a stick if she told anyone.” — @ tannytkay