By a Correspondent
A Gweru man who recently returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa after fleeing xenophobic violence has appeared in court accused of raping a nine-year-old girl more than 15 years ago.
Henry Razika (34) appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate Sibongile Marondedze, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was remanded in custody to July 28.
The State alleges that the offences were committed between June and August 2011, when the complainant was just nine years old.
According to prosecutors, Razika allegedly sexually assaulted the child on many occasions while bathing her. He is further accused of threatening to kill her with a knife if she disclosed the alleged abuse.
The State further alleges that on one of the occasions, Razika raped the girl after placing a knife beside her to intimidate and silence her. Prosecutors say the alleged sexual abuse continued on several other occasions during the same period.
The court heard that Razika was 19 years old at the time of the alleged offences and had been entrusted with the care of the complainant and her siblings by their grandmother, who had travelled to South Africa on business.
The alleged abuse only came to light after the girl confided in her grandmother, who reported the matter to the police.
However, police were unable to arrest Razika because he had fled to South Africa before investigations could be concluded.
The case resurfaced following Razika’s recent return to Zimbabwe under a voluntary repatriation programme from South Africa, leading to his arrest.
The matter has been postponed to July 28, when Razika is expected to return to court as proceedings continue.
