Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A 69-year-old Beitbridge man who repeatedly raped his 12-year-old niece has been sentenced to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment by the Beitbridge Regional Magistrate’s Court.
In a statement released on Thursday, the National Prosecution Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) said the accused committed the offence in May this year.
The man, whose identity cannot be disclosed to protect the victim’s identity, went to stay with his niece’s family at their home in Beitbridge in May.
During that time, he slept in the kitchen with the girl and her brother, while the children’s aunt was often away overnight.
The NPA said the accused took advantage of the arrangement and at night, he would go to the girl’s bed and rape her.
This happened almost every night, except the two nights when the girl’s aunt was home. By 29 May 2026, the abuse had gone on for weeks.
“The abuse affected the girl’s schoolwork. She began arriving late for classes and looked tired. On June 1, her aunt asked her what was wrong,” read part of the statement.
“She revealed that the offender was sexually abusing her every night, which left her exhausted and unable to attend school on time.
A police report was made, leading to the man’s arrest.
The NPAZ said it will ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are prosecuted and held accountable.
