Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A MAKOKOBA man who used a weird “evil spirits” story to lure a 12-year-old girl into his bedroom before raping her has been jailed for 17 years.
The 39-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, got no mercy from the Tredgold Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping the girl from his neighbourhood.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the shocking incident happened on August 2 at around 3.30pm after the girl was sent to the local shops by her grandmother.
On her way, the man lured her to his house with a chilling tale that evil spirits were following her.
He told the girl that the spirits were responsible for her poor performance at school and were blocking her success.
The court heard that he instructed her to go into his bedroom and wash her face three times to remove the alleged bad luck. Terrified, the girl followed his instructions.
The man ordered her to strip and lie on his bed, then he raped her, claiming that sexual intercourse was necessary to drive away the evil spirits.
Afterwards, he warned the girl not to tell anyone what had happened, as it would reverse the healing.
However, the victim broke her silence on the very next day.
The following day, she struggled to sleep before finally opening up to her grandmother.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the man’s arrest and eventual conviction.
The NPAZ warned that courts would not tolerate sexual abuse.
“The NPAZ strongly condemns all forms of sexual abuse, especially offences committed against children by those entrusted with their care,” the authority said in a statement.
“Offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The authority also urged victims and members of the public to speak out and report sexual abuse.
