Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
A 41-year-old Pumula North man, Ronald Nkomo, was sentenced to 40 years in prison last Thursday for raping a four year-old girl on 17 May 2026.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed both the arrest and conviction of Nkomo on charges of aggravated indecent assault and rape.
She has commended the courts for the swift handling of the case, saying it sent a strong message that such crimes would not be tolerated.
“On 17 May 2026, at around 1500 hours, the complainant, a 4-year-old female minor from Pumula North, Bulawayo, was at her residence with her 28-year-old mother,” Insp Msebele said in a statement.
“The accused person, a family friend, visited and asked for food. He was given sweet potatoes that the minor was eating. He then took the complainant to a nearby vending stall to buy chips as compensation for eating her sweet potatoes. Instead, the accused took the minor to his residence, where he raped her once.”
According to Insp Msebele, the offence was discovered after the child’s mother, who had been looking for her, followed her to the accused’s residence.
“Upon entering, the complainant’s mother found the child in the toilet and noticed that parts of her dress were wet. She questioned her, and the child narrated her ordeal, leading to the arrest of the accused person,” she said.
“On 21 May 2026, the accused appeared before the court facing charges of aggravated indecent assault and rape. He was convicted and sentenced to a combined 40 years’ imprisonment.”
“We commend our courts for their swift and decisive handling of such cases. Justice delivered sends a strong message to criminals that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated,” Insp Msebele said.
She further urged parents and guardians not to leave their children in the care of anyone, including neighbours and relatives, to prevent cases of sexual abuse by people known to the family.
