Principal in court for rape

A well-known educator and principal of a primary school in the Masisi area appeared briefly at the Mutale Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application. His appearance is a sequel to an incident last week that happened at Tshikuyi Village in the Masisi area, where a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped.

Samson Tshidino (54), principal at Domboni Primary School, of Masisi RDP houses appeared in court after he was charged with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old school girl, who is a learner at Tshikundamalema Secondary School.

It is alleged that the suspect offered the girl a lift, but turned on the way and headed for the nearby bushes. He allegedly threatened her with a knife and demanded sex whereupon he forced himself on the girl and raped her. He is alleged to have offered the girl hundred rand in order to buy her silence.

The young victim, however, broke the silence and went to the police and reported the case. The police reacted swiftly and arrested Tshidino on Sunday.

The Mutale Magistrate’s Court was packed to capacity with supporters of the accused and curious onlookers, who wanted to have a glimpse of the suspect. Tshidino stood motionless in the dock, awaiting his fate.

The state submitted that it had reached an agreement with the accused’s legal representative, Mutshutshu Mamatho whereby bail would be fixed at R3 000. The magistrate adjourned the application for some few minutes, after learning that the victim was only 14.

After the adjournment, a formal hearing was conducted whereby the investigating officer, Insp Samson Thiba was called to the witness stand. Thiba stated that he has completed his investigations and also confiscated the suspect’s passport. He said that the suspect was not a flight risk and therefore the state should not oppose bail.

Tshidino was granted bail of R3 000 and his case was postponed to July 24, for further investigations.

The visibly elated Tshidino looked relaxed when he was led to the cells pending the payment of his bail money.

News - Date: 13 June 2008

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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