A 27-year-old Harare man allegedly raped an 80-year-old woman in her maize field in Glen Norah B suburb.

Tatenda Mukute is also alleged to have assaulted the woman and her daughter who tried to help.

Mukute appeared before Harare magistrate Richard Mangosi facing one count of rape and two counts of assault.

He was remanded in custody to April 30.

According to court papers, it is alleged that on April 5 this year, the complainant who cannot be named for professional reasons, went to her maize field in Glen Norah B high-density suburb.

While she was harvesting her maize crop, she noticed that someone was throwing sand at her. When she lifted her head to see who it was, Mukute allegedly grabbed her from behind, tripped her to the ground, and raped her once.

After raping her, the accused allegedly started to assault her on the face and head several times. The complainant shouted for help, alerting her daughter who had followed her to the field.

The two teamed up and overpowered the accused, who was then taken to the police.