TSHTALE – A resident of Muumoni Village, Philemon Ramashidzha (42), briefly appeared in the Tshitale Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of rape. This follows an incident that took place at Muumoni in the Muila area, last Saturday evening at about 19:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police at Tshitale, Insp Azwinndini Makhavhu, the victim was alone at home when the incident occurred. The victim is a 15-year old girl, who, according to the police statement, is a psychiatric patient.

The statement indicates that the suspect arrived at the victim's kraal and allegedly grabbed her. He then allegedly had forceful sexual intercourse with her. The victim screamed for help.

Neighbours who quickly rushed to the scene heard her screams. On arrival at the scene, they allegedly found the suspect on top of the victim. Realising that the house was surrounded with people, the suspect jumped off the victim and ran away.

The people managed to recognize the suspect on his way out. The matter was reported to the police moments after the incident. The accused was arrested the following morning. He was not asked to plead and the case was postponed until next Monday, December 8. He was not granted any bail.