HARARE - A security guard who allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl while wearing a mask after giving the juvenile a dollar to buy a packet of chips has appeared before a Harare magistrate.

Victor Tapfumanei, 25, of Aspindale, Harare is employed as a security guard at the girl’s school, the court heard.

Tapfumanei allegedly called the girl and gave her a dollar to buy a packet of chips before taking her to the school’s water tanks where he threatened her with death if she refused to comply with his demands.

At the tanks, Tapfumanei who was now wearing a mask allegedly covered the juvenile’s face with a cloth before asking her to choose between rape and death.

According to state papers, the juvenile opted to be raped.

Magistrate Olivia Mariga heard Tapfumanei removed the girl’s uniform, got hold of her neck and raped her.

After the act, the court heard, Tapfumanei escorted the girl to Joshua Nkomo residential stands in Aspindale where he pretended to be looking for something before fleeing.

The juvenile told her classmates about the rape and her mother was called.

A police report was made, leading to Tapfumanei’s arrest.

Magistrate Mariga released Tapfumanei on $50 bail. He will be back in court on November 15. - Ivan Zhakata