Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Two male students from Masasi High School, aged 16 and 17, appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing multiple charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old female schoolmate in February this year.
The pair, who reside in Dhaure and Rimai Villages under Chief Marange, were remanded in custody until 14 October.
They appeared before Regional Magistrate Phathekile Msipa, with Prosecutor Last Goredema opposing bail due to the gravity of the allegations and widespread public concern following the circulation of a video linked to the incident.
According to court documents, the alleged incident occurred on February 8 at approximately 4:00 PM, as the three students were walking home from school.
It is alleged that the complainant was given a drink by the accused, which led to her becoming intoxicated.
The two boys then allegedly led her to a secluded area in a nearby forest, where the assault is said to have taken place.
The suspects face three charges under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]: rape (Section 65(1)), aggravated indecent assault (Section 66(b)(ii)), and indecent assault (Section 67(1)(a)(i)).
The court heard that the complainant was unable to resist due to the effects of the substance allegedly administered to her.
One of the accused reportedly recorded the incident on video, which was later shared with a friend and subsequently leaked online, sparking national outrage.
In the video footage, the rapists were praising themselves as soldiers while sexually abusing the girl.
Initial reports suggested that the video was discovered by an adult who alerted school authorities.
However, court proceedings revealed that one of the accused had shared the footage directly with a peer, who later disseminated it.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
