By Ziyah News Court Reporter
A 22-year-old man from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after attempting to rape his stepmother. He appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates Court, where he was convicted of the offense.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred when the complainant was sleeping in her bedroom. The accused knocked on her door and was allowed to enter, asking for washing powder. The complainant informed him that she would give him money to buy some later.
After a brief absence, the accused returned, opened the door without knocking, peeped inside, and then left. He came back again, hurriedly opened the door, and approached the complainant, who was still in bed. He moved around the room, closed the door, and the complainant immediately jumped out of bed.
The accused then pulled down his trousers, charged at the complainant, and tripped her. He removed her skirt and attempted to rape her.
While they were wrestling, a neighbour who was outside shouted the accused person’s name to stop what he was doing.
The accused stopped his actions upon hearing more neighbours gathering outside.
A police report was subsequently filed, leading to his arrest