Chronicle EditorFortunate Gora Mash West Correspondent
A 33-year-old man from Makonde Communal Lands will spend the next 20 years in jail for raping his 10-year-old step daughter twice. Viyagu Masvodo (33) of Matirira Village in Makonde pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Chinhoyi regional magistrate Mr Amos Mbobo, but was convicted after a full trial.
Prosecutor Mr Trustmore Mukarati proved that Masvondo was left in the custody of the girl and her two siblings while the mother went to attend a funeral in the neighbouring village. Masvondo went to a nearby shabeen to drink beer and came back when all the three children were asleep.
He then woke the girl up and demanded that she serves him supper in his bedroom. He subsequently raped her and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the rape. Masvondo raped the girl for the second time the following day using the same tactic. The matter came to light when a misunderstanding arose between the girl and her mother after she fled to her biological father.
The court heard that the complainant’s stepmother became suspicious and quizzed the girl and she disclosed the rape. The rape was reported to Kenzamba Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused.
Online Reporter