adminoverwhelming evidence provided by the State.
Regional magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa sentenced Zhakata (29) to 15 years in prison before suspending three years for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence within that period.
In passing sentence, Mr Tsikwa said cases of sexual abuse were on the increase hence the need to pass deterrent sentences on perpetrators of such crimes.
“You used a knife and threats in the commission of this offence which was enough to traumatise the complainant,” he said.
Prosecutor Ms Tracy Mundanga said that on December 23 last year Zhakata visited his brother in Glenview and saw the complainant doing household chores.
He proposed love to her after his brother had gone to take a bath but the complainant turned him down.
On the same day around 5pm, his brother went out leaving him (Zhakata) with the complainant.
Zhakata armed himself with a knife and locked the door from inside before grabbing the complainant’s throat.
The complainant wrestled with him while screaming for help and she sustained a cut on her finger.
Zhakata threatened her with death before raping her once.
After the act the complainant told Zhakata that she was going to report him to the police and he rushed to the gate and locked it.
The complainant jumped over the pre-cast wall and went to make a report leading to Zhakata’s arrest.
Online Reporter