A 33-year-old man from Kitwe, Kebby Mugala, has been arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting a 19-year-old lady identified as Lauren Musonda from Lusaka in a guest room in Kitwe town.

Mugala will appear in court on Tuesday to face charges for the heinous crime. Preliminary investigations indicate that the two met for the first time in a guesthouse following 10 months of interacting on Facebook.

Upon seeing her, the married man, who is married to a teacher within Kitwe, allegedly attempted to force himself on her. When she refused, he reportedly became aggressive and proceeded to rape and assault her.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. The police have since arrested Mugala, and he remains in police custody awaiting trial.