A 19-year-old boy recently appeared before a Harare magistrate for allegedly raping and sodomising a 12-year-old girl in a public toilet in Harare Gardens.

Timothy Sigauke appeared before magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni two weeks ago and was remanded into custody until August 1 this year.

He was charged with one count of rape, sodomy and aggravated indecent assault.

Sigauke met the victim in Harare's central business district in the evening and forced her to carry some card-board boxes to Harare Gardens.

Along the way he allegedly threatened the minor and when they reached the gardens, Sigauke dragged her into a male toilet.

He locked the door and raped her once, after which he forced her to perform some indecent acts.

Later, Sigauke allegedly sodomised his victim who cried out in pain prompting two passers-by to break down the door.

Sigauke was apprehended by Farai Madzokere and Jabulani Mpofu, who forced-marched him and the victim to the police.

He was immediately arrested.