HARARE — A 19-year-old Dzivaresekwa Extension man has appeared before the courts facing two counts of rape after he allegedly assaulted his 20-year-old cousin while she was incapacitated by epileptic seizures.

The accused, identified as Chivi, allegedly took advantage of the complainant’s medical condition on two separate occasions in December last year.

The court heard that the complainant, who lives with epilepsy, had been left in the sole company of the accused when she suffered a severe seizure and lost consciousness.

State prosecutors allege that upon regaining awareness, the woman discovered Chivi having non-consensual sexual intercourse with her. When she confronted him, the accused reportedly claimed that he had “fallen in love” with her.

The state further alleges that a similar incident occurred later that month. The complainant suffered another epileptic fit while alone with Chivi and again regained consciousness to find that she had been sexually assaulted.

The matter only came to light recently after the complainant discovered she was pregnant. She subsequently informed her uncle about the pregnancy and disclosed the two assaults, leading to a formal report being made to the police.

The complainant has since been referred to a medical facility for examination. The accused remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.