Sidumisile Mabena
Kimberley Chitambara
A 52-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man who blindfolded his tenant’s 11-year-old daughter before raping her has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Matthew Banda of Sizinda suburb was convicted of two counts of rape by Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla.
Banda was initially sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on each count, but the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year jail term.
Prosecuting, Ms Tsungai Mutapi told the court that the offences occurred in December 2024.
The court heard that on one occasion, the complainant was sleeping in the kitchen when Banda invited her to his room.
Upon entering the room, Banda blindfolded the girl using his hands before pushing her onto the bed.
“He then removed the complainant’s clothes and raped her once without protection,” said Ms Mutapi.
After the assault, Banda threatened to beat the complainant if she reported the matter to anyone.
During the same month, Banda again targeted the child after spotting her sleeping in the kitchen.
He invited the girl to his room and offered her fresh hot chips.
“The accused ordered the complainant to lie on his bed before pulling up her dress, removing her panties and raping her,” said the prosecutor.
After the incident, Banda threatened to assault the complainant if she disclosed the abuse before ordering her to return to where she had been sleeping.
The matter came to light earlier this year after the complainant’s mother noticed unusual behaviour from her daughter.
She took the child to social workers where the girl revealed that she had been raped.
A report was then made to the police, leading to Banda’s arrest. The complainant was subsequently taken to hospital for medical examination.
Online Reporter