In a disturbing case, a 34-year-old man from Beitbridge has been arraigned before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on allegations of statutory rape.
The State alleges that sometime during March 2024, the accused proposed love to a 15-year-old girl, and she accepted. The accused then took the young complainant to a secluded, bushy area where he engaged in ƨǝxuɑl intercourse with her.
Following the incident, the accused reportedly took the complainant to his uncle’s residence and introduced her as his soon-to-be wife, leaving her there for three days. It was only when the complainant’s sister-in-law came and retrieved her that the matter was reported to the police on May 26th, 2024.
The complainant was subsequently taken to the Beitbridge District Hospital, where a medical examination was conducted. The accused has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on June 10th, 2024.
This disturbing case highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting minors from ƨǝxuɑl exploitation and the need for continued vigilance and effective enforcement of laws designed to safeguard vulnerable young people.
