AN 87-YEAR-OLD woman fought off a suspected rapist by hacking his chin with an axe – and police investigators followed the blood trail to nail her attacker, a court heard.
Violet Bhebhe was sleeping in her home on March 24 when Reward Maredzwa sneaked in and jumped into the blankets with her, the Gweru Magistrates’ Court heard.
Prosecuting, Bonwell Balamanja told the court how Bhebhe battled the intruder and made for her axe which was kept under the bed.
The old woman swung her axe once, catching Maredzwa on the chin and forcing him to flee.
Police called to Bhebhe’s home in Chiwundura, Midlands, followed the blood trail which led to Maredzwa’s home. He had facial scars from the struggle, the court heard.
Mredzwa was not formally asked to plead when he appeared before Gweru magistrate Pathekile Msipa facing charges of unlawful entry and attempted rape.
He was remanded out of custody to July 21 on US$100 bail.