adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A 28-YEAR-OLD Nyamandlovu builder was yesterday slapped with a 15-year jail term for raping his Grade One niece on their way to a borehole. The man pleaded guilty to one count of rape and told regional magistrate Chrispen Mberewere that he was possessed when he sexually attacked his seven-year-old niece.
“I don’t know what got into me, I raped her unintentionally. I’m a builder by profession and I’m sorry for what happened,” he said. Magistrate Mberewere said although the man had pleaded guilty, that would not persuade the court to give him a lesser sentence.
“Despite the fact that you’re a first offender who pleaded guilty, you deserve a deterrent sentence that will keep you away from wreaking havoc in people’s lives especially women and girls.
“You’re therefore sentenced to 15 years in prison of which five years are suspended on condition of good behaviour. If in the next five years you’re convicted of any sexual offence, you will be sent to prison without an option of a fine or community service,” he said.
Prosecuting, Trust Muduma told the court that on Wednesday last week at around 5PM, the girl accompanied her uncle to the borehole situated a few metres from their homestead.
“After giving water to the donkeys, the uncle carried the girl on his back and took her further into the bush where he forcibly undressed her. He raped his niece once and promised to buy her a packet of Jiggies before ordering the girl to proceed home alone,” said Muduma.
He said upon arrival, the girl narrated her ordeal to her grandmother who took her to the police station resulting in the uncle’s arrest.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter