Man rapes 15-year-old minor

Michael Mashiri
An Epworth man took a minor to his house, raped her and lied to his wife when she returned home that she was his sister, has been taken to court.

Joseph Cheusi, 22, of Overspill, Epworth appeared before magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka at the Harare Magistrates' Courts accused of rape.

The complainant in the matter is a 15-year-old juvenile, whose name has been withheld because of age.

The State, through prosecutor Tawanda Nyandoro, said on December 31, 2022 at around 1500hrs, the complainant left her boyfriend's house and went to Epworth Quarry Dam as she was afraid to go home.

Cheusi saw the girl seated and asked her why she was alone before offering to go with her to his house.

The two went together, with Cheusi preparing food for the complainant at around 1900hrs. The girl slept on the floor, leaving Cheusi sitting in the same room.

After a few minutes, Cheusi entered the girl's blankets, forcibly removed her underwear and had sex with her without her consent.

After the act the girl did not leave the house.

At around 0100 hours Cheusi’s wife arrived home and he lied to the girl that she was his sister.

The complainant revealed the matter to her mother, leading to Cheusi's arrest.

He will appear in court on June 16 and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court because of the magnitude of his crime.