CRIME & COURTS

Man Arrested for Raping 13-Year-Old, Says It Was Mutual

A 24-year-old man from Umguza District in Matabeleland North Province has been arrested on charges of allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

In a surprising twist during his court appearance, Leeroy Chiwonzo claimed he was “madly” in love with the minor and insisted that the act was consensual.

Chiwonzo appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla, where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered to remain in custody as the trial continues.

In his defense, he stated, “I deny the accusation of rape; we both agreed to engage in this act. We had been in a relationship for six months, and it was consensual.”

According to court proceedings, on December 8, 2024, around 10 a.m., Chiwonzo allegedly forced the girl into a nearby bush, where he tripped her and raped her after she fell. The girl’s cries were heard by her grandmother, who arrived just in time to catch Chiwonzo in the act.

The grandmother reportedly struck him with a stick, prompting him to flee the scene. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Chiwonzo’s arrest.

-B-metro

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