Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
TWO former Masasi High School learners who last year raped a schoolmate, and recorded the incident on video in a case that sparked national outrage have been convicted by the courts.
The case attracted widespread public attention after it emerged that the offenders had recorded the assault, prompting renewed calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable learners and address sexual violence in schools.
The pair, who were aged 17 and 16 at the time of the offence, appeared before Mutare regional magistrate Ms Sekai Chiwundura, facing charges of rape and aggravated indecent assault involving a 17-year-old schoolmate.
During the trial, the two juveniles, represented by lawyers from the Justice for Children Trust, pleaded not guilty.
They maintained that the sexual encounter had been consensual and denied exploiting the complainant’s cognitive challenges.
The matter proceeded to a full trial, during which the State presented evidence that led to their conviction.
Ms Chiwundura found both accused guilty of rape and sentenced each of them to 10 years’ imprisonment.
They received a further five years each for aggravated indecent assault.
Ms Chiwundura suspended the 10-year jail term imposed on each offender because they are still juveniles. The minors have since lodged an appealing at the Mutare High Court, challenging both conviction and sentence.
They are arguing that the lower court misdirected itself by convicting them and imposing an excessive sentence. Allegations against the two were that on February 8, 2025, at around 4pm, they were in the company of the complainant walking home after school. The two dragged the complainant to a secluded place in the forest where they proceeded to be intimate with her without consent.
They also performed other sexual acts on her without her consent.
While this was happening, the 16-year-old was recording videos which later went viral on social media platforms.
Mr Tom Nyatsuro appeared for the State.
