HARARE – A Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer on Thursday appeared in court facing allegations of raping his 15-year-old neighbour.
Court heard the suspect, Nicholas Muwori, 38, then gave the victim US$1 to buy her silence.
The matter was heard before Harare magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa who remanded him in custody after advising him to seek bail at the High Court.
The complainant is a Form Three student at a Harare secondary school.
According to prosecutors, sometime in March last year, the teen was alone at home when Muwori approached her at her home’s dining room.
Court heard the girl ignored him and went into her bedroom with Muwori following her.
While in the bedroom, Muwori allegedly pushed her, forcing the minor to fall on the bed on her back.
It is alleged Muwori then raped the minor once without using protection.
Court further heard he then gave the complainant US$1 while promising to give her more money later.
The girl did not tell anyone about the abuse.
It is alleged that on January 29, the complainant was at school when she collapsed.
After gaining consciousness, she was interviewed by her teacher and she revealed the sexual abuse.
The teacher then informed the complainant’s mother about the girl’s experience leading to the matter being reported to the police.
Medical affidavits will be used as exhibits in court.
