An East London man accused of kidnapping and raping his girlfriend more than once says the woman is framing him.
Cross-examined by senior state prosecutor advocate Luvuyo Vena in the East London high court on Wednesday, Vusumzi Dukumbana, 37, maintained the woman was lying.
He has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and rape.
They had been in a relationship for about 18 months when the alleged rape took place.
It is the state’s case that on January 4 2024, Dukumbana dragged the woman from her home to his, assaulted her along the way, and subjected her to repeated physical and sexual violence.
Once at his home, Dukumbana accused the woman of infidelity, allegedly assaulted her and attempted to stab her with a kitchen knife.
The woman evaded the blade but was pushed on to the bed and allegedly raped, according to court papers.
Dukumbana then left the room and returned with a hammer, with which he allegedly attempted to continue the assault, and a struggle ensued.
The charge sheet says Dukumbana later fell asleep, at which point the woman fled, locking him inside. She reported the incident to the police the next morning.
A medical report compiled by a state witness, nurse Nomvuyo Makinana, was read out in court. Compiled on January 6, it detailed multiple injuries.
Makinana gave a detailed description of injuries consistent with assault, including forced penetration.
Dukumbana said he did not rape the woman, and that they had reconciled after their fight.
“I have no idea of this, she could’ve done this to herself, or someone else could’ve done that to her. I don’t know who did it. She intends to frame me.”
Pressed further about the alleged rape, Dukumbana said he had been waiting for DNA results.
Asked about movements of the woman from when she left him until reaching the Cecilia Makiwane Thuthuzela Care Centre, Dukumbana maintained the evidence was insufficient to prove she could not have harmed herself or had sex with someone else.
“It’s not true that I sexually violated her. I would never do that, being the man of calibre that I am.
“I sustained an injury to my private parts. We did not even have intercourse that night. We forgave each other and slept.”
Put to him that the woman had fled her home out of fear and had moved to Cape Town, Dukumbana said: “I don’t think that is the reason. I was in prison when she left.”
On Tuesday, Dukumbana testified that the woman had pushed him, and when he pushed her away, she slapped him.
Dukumbana closed his defence case.
The trial continues on Thursday for closing arguments. Dukumbana remains in custody.
Daily Dispatch
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