By Tinashe Mungazi
Chief Dobola of Binga appeared in court, Monday, accused of attempting to rape a 17-year-old girl who had allegedly turned down his proposal to be his fourth wife.
It is alleged that Chief Dobola of Mulindi village born Edward Munkobwe (47) tricked the 17-year-old girl who cannot be named into one of his huts under the pretext that he wanted her to collect some maize cobs.
He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Binga magistrate, Urgent Vundla facing a charge of one count of attempted rape.
Prosecuting, Quiet Mpofu told the court that on 1 April 2020 and at around 0800hrs the complainant was at her homestead when Chief Dobola’s first wife arrived and informed her that her husband wanted to see her.
The complainant heeded the chief’s request and proceeded to his homestead where she found him in the yard in the company of his children.
She then inquired why she had been summoned and the chief told her it was an April Fools prank.
It is alleged that Chief Dobola then held her hands before kissing her without her consent forcing her to retreat in protest.
Thereafter he sent her to collect some maize cobs in his hut and followed her inside. He allegedly blocked the entrance as the complainant tried to leave after discovering that they were no maize cobs in the hut.
He then closed the door, allegedly grabbed the teenager’s hands, fondled her breasts and kissed her before touching her private parts without her consent.
However, as he tried to drag her to his bed she fought back, hit him on the neck and managed to escape.
On arrival at her homestead, she informed her mother in the presence her friend on what had transpired resulting in both women confronting the traditional leader.
The court further heard that Chief Dobola failed to give a satisfactory explanation resulting in the women going back home to await the arrival of complainant’s father on the way forward since the issue involved a traditional leader of the area.
The complainant’s father who had gone to Zambia to trade returned on 14 May and the following day a report was made to the police leading to chief Dobola’s arrest.
Chief Dobola who is represented by his lawyer, Khumbulani Dingani of Mvhiringi and Associates is today expected to take to the stand.
