Man, 35, rapes step daughter, 8

A 35-YEAR-OLD man from Matobo allegedly raped his eight-year-old step daughter after luring her to the bush and promising to fetch firewood for her.

Thulani Moyo of Bazha area appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Takundwa Mtethwa facing a charge of rape after he allegedly had sex with a juvenile.

Prosecuter Caroline Matanga said on April 4 at around 3pm, the accused asked the complainant to accompany him to the bush to fetch firewood.

She said: "While at the bush the accused ordered the complainant to remove her panties and lie down facing upwards."

Matanga said the accused removed her panties and had sex once with the complainant without her consent.

"The matter came to light when the complainant reported the matter to her grandmother," said the prosecutor.

She said the grandmother reported the matter to the police leading to the accused's arrest.

"The complainant was referred to hospital where a medical report was compiled. It can be produced in court as an exhibit," Matanga said.

Moyo was remanded in custody and is to appear in court on April 24.