Staff Reporter

A 27-year-old man from Mabhidhi Village in Beitbridge has appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates' Court facing charges of indecent assault and rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the case in a statement.

According to reports, the incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when the 14-year-old victim was traveling with her parents from South Africa in a Toyota Hiace mini-bus. The accused was also a passenger in the same vehicle. When the parents stepped out to process customs clearance at the Beitbridge Border Post, the accused allegedly inserted his fingers into the victim's private parts before raping her.

The matter came to light when the victim asked her mother to accompany her to the toilet to change her clothes. The complainant’s mother questioned her why she wanted to change her clothes and the complainant revealed what had happened.

The complainant’s mother reported the matter to the police at the Beitbridge Border Post leading to the accused person’s arrest.

The accused is currently in custody awaiting trial on January 10, 2025.