A NKAYI man who allegedly raped a five-year-old girl was yesterday given a special verdict committing him to Mlondolozi Psychiatric Institution where he will be assessed after psychiatrists indicated that he was not mentally stable when he committed the offence. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Nkosana Mahlangu (64) of Dakamela in Nkayi appeared before Bulawayo Regional Court magistrate Mark Dzira who passed the special verdict referring him to Mlondolozi Psychiatric Institution after the State, represented by Tinashe Dzipe and defence lawyer Nonhlanhla Moyo, agreed that he be given a special verdict.
Moyo submitted that the psychiatrist report did not show that he posed a threat to the public if he was released to his family where his relatives could supervise administration of his medication.
However, Dzira said evidence showed that at some point Mahlangu, who has been taking mental illness tablets, could forget or skip taking them which might have resulted in him allegedly committing the offence.
He said it was proper that he be committed to Mlondlozi where it would be ensured he took his medication at all times until it is proven whether he can recover or not.
Agreed facts between the State and the defence were that on May 22 2012, the five-year-old girl was left with Mahlangu by her mother when she went to a garden.
He dragged her to the kitchen where he removed her clothes before raping her. The girl told her mother about the rape when she returned.
She was examined by a doctor who confirmed the rape.
