Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza-Herald Reporter
A 63-YEAR-OLD man from Hwange has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old Grade 6 learner.
The Hwange Magistrates’ Court handed down the jail term for the offence, which occurred in late July.
The case, which highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse against minors, was revealed by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).
The NPAZ has used the conviction to urge communities to speak out against such crimes.
According to the NPAZ, the incident took place on July 25, at around 7pm, in an area under Chief Nekatambe.
The offender entered the juvenile’s bedroom and coerced her into having sexual intercourse with him by offering her money.
He then raped the girl.
The crime was interrupted when the victim’s brother heard whistling outside the dwelling.
He found them red-handed, resulting in the victim being questioned and subsequently revealing the entire incident to her mother.
A formal report was made to the authorities, leading to the man’s arrest.
The NPAZ emphasised that the sexual abuse of minors remains an issue of grave concern.
“Members of the community need to report such cases in order to get rid of pedophiles in our communities,” said the NPAZ.
The NPAZ reaffirmed its commitment under the slogan, “Combating Crime and Corruption.”
