HARARE - A soldier who allegedly raped his neighbour’s nine-year-old daughter has been remanded in custody.

Sameson Shumbayarewa, 31, who is based at Harare’s Kabbrit Barracks, yesterday appeared before magistrate Anita Tshuma on rape charges. He was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

Shumbayarewa allegedly raped the juvenile early this month after summoning her to his room and asked her to hold a light for him while he replaced a bulb.

The court heard that Shumbayarewa raped the girl while her mother was vending at the local shops.

He allegedly grabbed the girl and gagged her mouth before pushing her onto the bed.

According to state papers, Shumbayarewa forcibly removed the girl’s clothes, forced open her legs and raped her.

After the act, the court heard, the bleeding juvenile managed to free herself, took her phone and ran towards the shops where her mother was.

She told her mother about the rape.

A police report was made leading to Shumbayarewa’s arrest. Magistrate Tshuma remanded Shumbayarewa to November 21 for trial. — Ivan Zhakata