BINGA- A Bulawayo-based commuter omnibus driver facing charges of allegedly dragging a 17-year old Govera Compound girl into his vehicle and raping her once was last week further remanded and transferred to Hwange regional court for trial.
Professor Mpala (34) of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, pleaded not guilty to rape charges when he appeared before Binga resident magistrate Stephen Ndlovu on Wednesday last week. He is out of custody on $100 bail and will appear in court on June 20.
In his plea of not guilty, Mpala told the court that he never raped the girl but they both consented to be intimate on the day.
Mpala is represented by Tonderai Mukuku of Mukuku and Partners.
David Never Shiku for the State told the court that on February 21, Mpala met the 17-year-old girl at Govera business centre in Binga and lured her into his vehicle
While they were inside the Kombi, Mpala allegedly grabbed her and gagged her mouth using his hand before allegedly raping her once.
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The matter came to light when the girl fell ill and parents discovered she was pregnant. The juvenile told her parents that Mpala raped her and he was responsible for the pregnancy.
A report made to the police led to Mpala’s arrest.