A MAN from Senza village, Nkayi, who on Thursday appeared in court for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl, told Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga that he committed the offence under the influence of alcohol.
The accused, who is a neighbour to the complainant (name withheld), pleaded guilty to the charge and will return to court on November 6 for ruling.
According to court papers, on September 18, the accused send the girl to the kitchen to fetch water before he followed the toddler and raped her once.
Malunga then asked him how he recalled and why he pleaded guilty when he claimed to have been drunk and could not recall his actions.
“Why are you pleading guilty when you said you do not remember your actions towards the young girl and how do you know why you are here for rape charges,” queried Malunga.
Ncube said he was able to recall everything while in police cells.
The complainant’s mother stated that she knew Ncube not only in connection with the crime, but that she knew him from the village and they enjoyed good relations.
The complainant’s mother testified that she had left the door open and discovered on her return that it was closed.
The victim’s mother told the court how much she and her daughter were affected by the act.
Malunga asked her if the accused showed signs of being drunk.
The complainant’s mother said the accused was sober.
A medical report was presented in court confirming the rape.
During cross examination the accused told the court that the complainant’s mother said the truth and he apologised.