Man gets 7-year jail term for raping minor (10)

employed as a shopkeeper, however, denied rape and the aggravated indecent assault charges.
However, Chitungwiza regional magistrate Ms Sarah Mupindu, jailed him after strong evidence was produced in court against him.
In his defence, the man said he only came close to the minor when she was involved in an altercation with her mother’s friend.
The magistrate, however, dismissed his claim on grounds that the evidence that was brought before the court by the State’s three witnesses collaborated well.
“It is impossible for all the three witnesses who testified to lie against you and trample up the charges,” said Ms Mupindu.
Ms Mupindu sentenced him to 10 years in prison and set aside three years on condition he will not be convicted of the same offence in the next five years.
Prosecutor, Ms Concellia Maheya, told the court that on January 10 at Ziko Business Centre, the man saw the girl going home after being asked to go and collect school fees arrears from her parents.
As she passed through the shop, the court heard that the man called and took her to a secluded area where he raped her.
On February 27, he went to the school where the girl learns and took her to the grounds where the accused raped her in a pit.
After the act, he threatened to assault her if she revealed the matter to anyone. The girl revealed the matter after the mother noticed suspicious behaviour. She was taken to the shop where she positively identified the man.