Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
A 37-YEAR-OLD man from Mandaza Village under Chief Nyamweda in Mhondoro has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and assaulting his 56-year-old mother-in-law.
Walter Maponga was convicted of both rape and assault by Harare regional magistrate Ms Jessie Kufa.
In her ruling, the magistrate said the State had successfully proved a prima facie case against Maponga.
The prosecution, led by Mr Blessed Songozo, presented evidence that on September 17, at Makoni Village under Chief Nyamweda, the mother-in-law was inside her bedroom with her 94-year-old mother when Maponga broke into the room.
Upon entering, he assaulted her, accusing her of taking his wife.
Maponga sat on top of his mother-in-law after she had fallen onto her back during the altercation.
He then raped her.
The State also presented evidence that the mother-in-law was eventually rescued by Messrs Godfrey Makoni and Cleopas Nziramasanga, who apprehended Maponga at the scene.
