High Court confirms rapist’s 20-year sentence

Mathew Masinge

A man’s 20-year sentence for raping an 11-year-old relative on multiple occasions has been upheld by the High Court.

Victor Chimatya (45) had appealed the sentence, but High Court judge, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi said the trial court was spot on.

In his defence, Chimatya claimed the girl only came to play in his room and he never touched her.

In confirming both Chimatya’s conviction and sentence, Justice Mutevedzi said they were done in accordance with the law.

“In the circumstances, the sentence imposed still meets the threshold of being in accordance with real and substantial justice.

“It is therefore ordered as follows, the conviction is confirmed as being in accordance with real and substantial justice

“The sentence in the case of State vs Victor Chimatya is also confirmed as being in accordance with real and substantial justice,” reads the ruling.

Justice Mutevedzi also said the rape was committed in aggravating circumstances.

“The offender and the victim’s families were related; he had sexual intercourse with the minor not once, but on several occasions.

“He attempted to obstruct the course of justice by persuading the complainant’s mother to withdraw the case and even more critically, he is a 45-year-old man who abused an 11-year-old girl. 

“The difference between their ages is a lifetime,” reads the judgment.