'Vaseline' rapist arrested

POLICE in Binga have arrested a 44-year-old shopkeeper who allegedly raped his landlord's seven-year-old daughter while her mother was doing laundry outside.

The man from Senga area under Chief Sinakome in Binga who is employed as a shopkeeper allegedly took advantage of the absence of the girl's mother and called her into his room.

He wore a condom before applying some Vaseline on the girl's private parts before raping her.
 
He appeared before Binga resident magistrate Mrs Ailenne Munamati for initial remand. He was remanded in custody awaiting transfer to Hwange regional court.

For the State, Mr Bruce Maphosa said allegations are that on 13 October, the accused called the girl into his room after noticing that there was no one in the house. He went on to invite her to sit on his bed before taking some Vaseline which he smeared on her private parts.

He proceeded to wear a condom and raped her once. After the act he threatened the Grade One pupil with unspecified action if she revealed what had transpired.

However, the matter eventually came to light after the girl's mother observed a change in her daughter's behaviour and walking leading her to interrogate her.

He was subsequently arrested.