Prophet arrested over pupil rape

A SELF-STYLED prophet from Silobela operating in Filabusi allegedly raped a Grade 5 pupil who had been brought to him for prayers because she was sleep-walking and having nightmares.

This came to light yesterday when Nyasha Hadebe, 28, was arraigned before Gwanda magistrate, Sheila Nazombe, facing two counts of rape.

Hadebe was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to January 26.

Prosecutor, Takunda Mafudze, said sometime in November 2015, the minor was sent to Hadebe's home for treatment as she was sleep-walking and having nightmares. During the same month, Hadebe woke up at night and went to the girl's room which was adjacent to his bedroom hut.

He let himself in and raped her.

Hadebe raped her again on Christmas Day.

On that day, the girl went to sleep alone as usual and locked the door from inside. At about 11PM, Hadebe allegedly woke up from his bedroom, leaving his wife asleep and broke into the hut in which the minor was sleeping.

The girl did not see him entering the room as she was fast asleep.

He raped her again and warned her against telling anyone about the abuse.

The matter came to light when the girl returned to her parents' home on the following day and told her aunt.

The aunt and some elders reported the matter to the police and Hadebe was arrested.

The girl was referred to Filabusi District Hospital and it was confirmed that she had been raped.