Women raped as families watch

2008-12-01 22:31

Pietermaritzburg - A Pietermaritzburg man twice raped women in front of their families in separate incidents last year, the Pietermaritzburg High Court heard on Monday.

The alleged rapist, Vusi Mseleku, 42, and his co-accused Thulebona Zuma, 30, also allegedly robbed the families of several items before they left.

On Monday, the mother of a woman raped in May last year said Mseleku and Zuma barged into their home while the family was asleep.

Zuma fired a shot which narrowly missed her leg, and her husband and others were tied up with shoe laces.

The mother pointed out Mseleku as the rapist.

Last week, the second rape victim told the court Mseleku had caused her so much pain that she cried out during the rape.

Mseleku and Zuma allegedly forced their way into this victim's family home in July 2007, and robbed the family. They allegedly pretended to be policemen searching for a man.

Members of the family had their hands tied behind their backs with bandages. The woman said Mseleku raped her while her hands were tied behind her back.

Zuma was also charged with the rape because he allegedly kept watch during both rapes and prevented resistance or escape.

Both men have denied guilt.

The trial continues on Tuesday.

- SAPA