The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Weekender Reporter
HAND tattoos sold out a Headlands rapist who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl at knifepoint before stealing her clothes.
Rusape District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean confirmed Steven Marange (27)’s arrest.
Marange alias Kedha who is facing rape and theft charges was expected to appear in court yesterday (Thursday).
Assistant Inspector Clean said Marange was arrested by a search party at Sanjika Farm.
Assistant Inspector Clean said apart from the facial recognition, the girl identified her molester by the tattoos on his hands.
The incident occurred last week on Friday when the girl was alone at home while her parents were at the garden.
It is alleged that Marange approached the girl and enquired about her parents’ whereabouts, before asking for drinking water.
The unsuspecting girl fetched the water from a well at the homestead and gave him.
“After giving him the water, the girl went into the house to continue with her household chores. The accused followed and grabbed the girl from behind and muzzled her mouth using his hand. He also produced a knife and threatened to kill her,” said Assistant Inspector Clean.
He said Marange dragged the girl to the family’s three-roomed house.
When inside, the girl pleaded to be spared in exchange for money and Marange obliged.
“The girl asked to go and fetch the bedroom keys from the kitchen and Marange followed her. He drew out a blood-stained knife from his satchel and forced the girl to surrender the keys to him.
“Marange opened the bedroom door and asked for the money, but the girl could not produce it. Instead she slapped him on the cheek, attempting to escape. She was overpowered and was raped once,” he said.
After committing the offence, Marange allegedly stole the girl’s school shoes and clothes that were in the wardrobe and washing basin.
He put the loot in his satchel and another bag that was in house.
“Marange dumped his sandals in the house and left wearing the girl’s father’s shoes. The girl rushed to their neighbours and told them what had happened. The neighbours reacted swiftly and rushed with the girl to the garden to inform her parents.
“The girl’s father who is a member of the police constabulary unit and other members of the community formed a search party and tracked down the suspect. They eventually apprehended Marange at Sanjika Farm and handed him over to Headlands police,” said Assistant Inspector Clean.
