By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A 78-year-old man from Zezani, Ntshime Moyo, has appeared before Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa for allegedly raping his 14-year-old granddaughter.
Moyo is denying the allegations saying the claims were fabricated by the child’s parents out of hatred.
Moyo, a security guard, said on the day in question, he had been asleep after returning home from work.
“After knocking off from work around 6am , I got home around 7am and went to sleep,” he said.
The alleged incident is said to have happened after 9am.
He told the court that he woke up later to find the girl and her sister at his door step looking for food of which he denied them.
Moyo said farm guards acting as police officers later came to his workplace that evening and arrested him.
“They said I was under arrest but did not tell me the reason until I was taken to Zezani Police the following morning,” he said.
Moyo denied ever taking the children into the bush, as alleged by the prosecution led by Willbrought Muleya.
He said allegations were the result of a family dispute.
Moyo also claimed the complainant’s testimony was influenced by her mother.
“When she was asked questions in court, she said, ‘go ask my mother.’ That means she was told what to say,” said Moyo through his lawyer Pith Magumula.
The court heard the child’s mother found her crying during bath time she later revealed the alleged abuse Moyo denies.
Magumula asked why Shamiso Moyo, who was reportedly left in charge of the children, was not called to testify.
Maphosa adjourned the matter to October 29, 2025, for continuation of trial.