malvernmugadzikwa
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A 32-YEAR-OLD MAN from Dulivhadzimu suburb in Beitbridge has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for raping his stepdaughter aged 13 at knife point.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted of two counts of rape after pleading guilty during trial before acting regional magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba.
The prosecution, led by Mr Willbrought Muleya, told the court that the girl’s mother had left her in the care of her stepfather on May 5.
Later that day, the man, who was sleeping in the same room with the juvenile, took a kitchen knife before forcefully undressing the girl, threatening to harm her.
The complainant reportedly tried to scream but the man closed her mouth using his hand before raping her once.
He later raped her again using the same method.
The following morning, he gave her R300 for a new school jersey in an attempt to buy her silence.
When the man left the house, the girl called her mother and narrated the ordeal.
She was advised to report the matter to the police, who subsequently arrested the man on the same day.
The accused was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for each count, with the sentences running concurrently.
This means he will serve an effective 15 years in jail.
Online Reporter