A Hwange-based soldier was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to rape a seven-year-old.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Theophilous Gutukunhuhwa of 1:2 Infantry Battalion, whose rank and age were not given in court, was convicted on his own plea of guilty when he appeared before regional magistrate Linidwe Maphosa.
Prosecutor Tinomupei Mbiza told the Victoria Falls Magistrates court that on July 15, Gutukunhuhwa was walking along Prospect Hill Road when he met the complainant on her way from school.
Gutukunhuhwa asked the girl if she knew any place where there was a house to rent and the girl told him there was a vacant room where she stayed.
She gave him her mother’s contact details.
While they were still talking, Gutukunhuhwa grabbed the girl, dragged her into the bush and removed her school uniform with the intention to rape her.
However, he was disturbed by the sound of a motor vehicle heading towards their direction and fled into the bush, leaving the girl lying naked on the ground.
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The girl then ran towards the road, crying for help and was rescued by one Pry Akalowa.
She told him her ordeal and described Gutukunhuhwa and what he was wearing.
A manhunt was launched leading to Gutukunhuhwa’s arrest after the girl positively identified him.
