16-Year-old boy arrested for allegedly rɑping 12-year-old neighbor in Nyamandlovu
A shocking incident has unfolded in Matabeleland North province, as a 16-year-old boy was apprehended on charges of rɑping his 12-year-old neighbour, whom he was romɑntically involved with.
Appearing before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza, the teenager faced two counts of rɑpe. He was remanded out of custody until December 20, with no plea requested at this stage.
According to the state’s allegations, the incident unfolded in May when the boy proposed love to the victim, and she accepted his advances. In July, the boy purportedly invited the young girl to his friend’s residence, where he requested to engage in sexuɑl intercourse, to which she consented. The victim returned home after the encounter, choosing not to disclose the incident to anyone.
Reportedly, on July 29, the boy once again invited the girl to the same location, where he allegedly coerced her into engaging in sexuɑl intercourse for a second time, and she reluctantly agreed. Afterward, the girl returned home to find her bedroom hut locked, leaving her with no choice but to spend the night in the kitchen.
The following morning, the young girl’s aunt, who had locked her bedroom door the previous day, questioned her about where she had slept. It was during this conversation that the girl disclosed her harrowing ordeal to her aunt. The concerned aunt promptly reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused boy.
The community has been left in shock and disbelief over the disturbing allegations, as the case highlights the vulnerability of young individuals and the need for heightened awareness, protection, and education regarding consent and sexuɑl boundaries. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold as the accused awaits further court appearances.
