Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 22-year-old man from Jotsholo will spend the next two decades behind bars after being convicted of raping his blind 84-year-old grandmother on two separate occasions, in what the court described as “a shocking betrayal of trust and humanity.”
Trust Moyo, of Kwarai Village under Chief Mabhikwa in Lupane District, was found guilty of two counts of rape when he appeared before Regional Magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanji, who sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The State, represented by Mr Thulani Ncube, proved that Moyo repeatedly assaulted his elderly grandmother (name withheld) at her homestead, using violence and death threats to silence her.
According to the State’s case, sometime in May 2025, the complainant was asleep in her room when the accused forcefully entered, strangled her and warned her not to scream. Despite her blindness, the elderly woman recognised the attacker’s voice as that of her grandson. He then raped her once before threatening to kill her if she disclosed the incident. Out of fear, she remained silent.
Barely two months later, on July 24, 2025, Moyo struck again. He sneaked into the same room at around 8 PM, overpowered the frail woman, and raped her once more, again threatening her life.
The following morning, the horrific ordeal came to light when the complainant’s daughter discovered bloodstains on her mother’s clothes and the floor. Upon inquiry, the elderly woman revealed what had happened and identified her grandson as the perpetrator.
The matter was reported to Jotsholo Police, leading to Moyo’s arrest. A medical examination conducted at St Luke’s Hospital confirmed the assault.
In his defence, Moyo denied the allegations, claiming mistaken identity. However, the court dismissed his claims, ruling that the complainant’s voice identification and the medical evidence corroborated the State’s case beyond reasonable doubt.
Passing sentence, Magistrate Munjanji condemned Moyo’s actions, stating that he had “violated the sanctity of family and taken advantage of a defenceless old woman who depended on him for protection.”
He said the court had a duty to impose a deterrent sentence to send a clear message that such crimes, particularly against the elderly and vulnerable, would not be tolerated.
Moyo will serve 20 years’ effective imprisonment for his heinous acts.
