The Harare Magistrates Court is on Friday, August 30, expected to deliver its ruling on four teenagers accused of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl at a party after she became intoxicated.
As reported by The Herald, the trial began last week, with prosecutor Tawanda Nyandoro leading evidence from four witnesses.
The accused—Tapiwanashe Marufu (19), Tapiwa Mlambo (18), and two accomplices aged 16 and 14—appeared before Harare regional magistrate Taurai Manuwere on charges of rape.
During the trial, the complainant recounted the events of February 24, when she and her friend, both minors, left home for a birthday party in Glen View 7, Harare.
She testified that upon arrival, her friend offered her a Bally House drink, which she consumed, leading to feelings of dizziness.
Accused number 3, also a minor, allegedly carried her into a spare bedroom, placed her on the bed, and then left the room.
He later returned, fondled her breasts, and left again after she pushed his hands away.
The complainant stated that he returned with Marufu, who undressed her. Despite her attempts to scream, Marufu covered her mouth with one hand, and both he and accused number 3 raped her.
The complainant reported losing consciousness after the assault.
Her friend witnessed Mlambo and accused number 4 taking turns to rape her.
She was ultimately rescued by two minors, Bruce and Raphael, who intervened and removed the accused from the room.
When she regained consciousness around 6 PM, her friend informed her of the assault.
The complainant then returned home, where she confided in her sister, leading to the matter being reported to the police and the subsequent arrest of the four accused.
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