Kombi Driver Charged with Rape of 12-Year-Old
A 39-year-old kombi driver from Bulawayo, Mkhululi Dube, appeared in court yesterday facing charges of raping a 12-year-old girl, who he allegedly lured with the promise of a lift.
Dube, a resident of Nkulumane suburb, stood before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr. Pasipanodya Maturure, who remanded him in custody until January 14.
Prosecutor Ms. Christina Manyika outlined the case, stating that on January 9 at approximately 3 PM, the girl had just left a kombi at the Nkulumane terminus after traveling from town.
Dube, who is known to her as a classmate of her brother, approached her in his vehicle and persuaded her to wait for a ride home.
Allegedly, after completing his tasks, Dube drove her to a secluded area and parked. He then moved from the driver’s seat to sit next to her, where he began to fondle her despite her protests.
When she attempted to scream, Dube threatened her into silence and forced her to lie down before assaulting her.
After the incident, he warned her against telling anyone, then abandoned her near Phekiwe Bar.
The girl managed to return home and told her mother about the assault, prompting them to go to the police station and report it, which led to Dube’s arrest.
The victim was also referred for a medical examination to document her injuries and collect evidence.
In a separate case, a 33-year-old man from Bulawayo, Thembani Ncube, faced charges for allegedly attacking his friend with a spade during an argument.
Ncube, residing in Mabutho suburb, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr. Jeconia Prince Ncube and was remanded in custody until January 27.
Prosecutor Ms. Cathrine Kuzu detailed that on January 11, Ncube and the complainant, 45-year-old Newman Gumboguru, were at a house in Emthunzini when a dispute erupted over insults.
Following Gumboguru’s inquiry about Ncube’s obscene remarks, Ncube allegedly became aggressive, picked up a spade, and struck Gumboguru twice, once on the head and once on the stomach.
Gumboguru sustained injuries and was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
