Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A 40-year-old man was remanded in custody over the weekend after he appeared in court accused of raping his 14-year-old step daughter.
The suspect, Blessed Shiri of Kuwadzana, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
The court heard that in 2023, the girl was in grade 5 and was residing with her mother and step father.
On an unknown date, while the girl was preparing for school, Shiri entered into the girl’s bedroom and told her he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her.
The girl refused and Shiri threatened to assault her.
He then locked the door, undressed both himself and the child and went on to rape her.
He continued to sexually abuse the complainant on several occasions thereafter. The matter only came to light on September 1 this year when the child confided in her mother’s friend.
On October 8, Shiri assaulted the girl , leading neighbours to inquire why he assaulted her severely and she revealed that he had raped her multiple times.
A tip-off was made to ZRP Kuwadzana, and members from the Victim Friendly Unit reacted swiftly, leading to the arrest of the step father.
