Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura [email protected]
A 41-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to an effective 40 years’ imprisonment for sexually abusing and raping his friend’s four-year-old daughter after luring her to his house under false pretences.
Ronald Nkomo of Pumula North suburb was convicted of aggravated indecent assault and rape by Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure.
He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated indecent assault and a further 20 years for rape.
Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court that the incident occurred on May 17 at around 3pm when Nkomo visited the complainant’s home.
The court heard that the accused consumed food belonging to the child before persuading her to accompany him to his house, claiming that he wanted to buy her snacks in return.
Upon arriving at his house, Nkomo locked the door before sexually assaulting the minor and later raping her.
“The complainant cried and the accused person took her to the bathroom where he bathed her private parts,” said Ms Manyika.
Suspicion was raised when the child’s mother later went looking for her daughter and noticed that the child had changed clothes.
The court heard that after being questioned by her mother, the child narrated the ordeal, leading to a report being made to the police.
