Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A GWANDA man has been jailed for 15 and a half years for raping a 14-year-old girl and robbing her of a mobile phone. Thembani Sibanda (26) from Garikai area in Gwanda pleaded not guilty to rape and robbery charges but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence by Gwanda regional magistrate, Ms Sithembiso Ndebele.
In passing sentence, Ms Ndebele condemned Sibanda’s conduct, saying he took advantage of the complainant’s vulnerability. She said there is a need for a deterrent sentence that will serve as a lesson for like-minded people who prey on young girls.
“The accused person sexually violated the complainant, who is 14 years old, and went on to rob her. The complainant could be emotionally scarred for the rest of her life because of the actions of the accused person, hence a deterrent sentence is needed,” said the magistrate.
Prosecuting, Ms Zanele Sithole said Sibanda raped the complainant on March 13, 2022.
“On that particular day, the complainant was walking from her home to Jacaranda suburb when she was confronted by Sibanda along with three accomplices who are still at large,” she said.
The court heard that the complainant tried to flee, but Sibanda ran after her and caught up with and produced a machete. He dragged her into the nearby bush where he raped her.
“The accused person further demanded the complainant’s Huawei cellphone and the complainant out of fear, complied. The accused person fled the scene, leaving the complainant behind,” said Ms Sithole.
The matter came to light when the complainant narrated her ordeal to her uncle. A report was made to the police, leading to Sibanda’s arrest.
