Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A 20-YEAR-OLD man who attacked an 84-year-old grandmother while she was looking for her missing cattle in the bush, before raping and robbing her of US$1 200, has been sentenced to 23 years in jail.
Ndumiso Nyathi from Fort Rixon in Matabeleland South Province appeared on Thursday for judgment before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla.
Nyathi was found guilty on both counts.
For the rape charge he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and for the robbery charge he was sentenced to five years, with two years suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years.
In delivering the sentence, Ms Mkandla said the offender used a weapon to subdue the complainant and raped her.
“You are young but you started crime at the deep end. The State managed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The complainant told the court that she sustained bruises on her private parts and the medical report corroborated her testimony, which was clearly articulated,” she said.
“A relative of the complainant gave testimony, which corroborated the testimony of the complainant. You are, therefore, found guilty and you will reform in jail,” said Ms Mkandla.
In mitigation, the offender said: “I’m pursuing a course at a Bulawayo college, as such I beg the court to be lenient when effecting sentence.”
In aggravation, Prosecutor Ms Tsungi Charmaine Mutapi said: “You attacked an elderly woman who is defenceless before you sexually attacked her and robbed her. The complainant is old enough to be your grandmother, as such you ought to respect her rather than subject her to such a de-humanising act.
“The complainant suffered severe physical pain and was left traumatised. The State prays for a custodial sentence so as to send a strong message to would-be offenders.” Prosecuting, Ms Mutapi told the court that the incident happened on 29 July 2026.
“It was at around 11:30AM while the complainant was looking for her missing cow in the bush. The offender was clutching a big axe. The offender asked what the complainant was looking for in the thicket and, while she was about to respond, he struck her on the neck with the handle of an axe and she fell down. After that, the offender sexually attacked her,” said Ms Mutapi.
After raping her, the offender searched her and took US$1 200 and fled. The grandmother later woke up and went to a police station where she reported the matter, leading to the arrest of the offender.
