Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of raping his 13-year-old cousin.
The convict, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor complainant, was found guilty of rape by Gwanda regional magistrate Ms Sithembiso Ndebele.
He was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
He will therefore serve an effective 15-year prison term.
Prosecutor Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the offence was committed in 2022 when the complainant was 10 years old and residing with her aunt, who is the accused person’s mother.
The court heard that the accused took advantage of being alone with the child at home and approached her, telling her that he wanted to sleep with her.
When the complainant refused and threatened to report the matter, the accused forcibly dragged her into his bedroom and locked the door.
“The complainant tried to scream, but he covered her mouth with his hand and raped her. He warned the complainant against revealing the matter to anyone,” said Mr Shumba.
The abuse remained undisclosed for some time until last year, when the complainant relocated to live with her father and stepmother.
The court heard that in October last year, following concerns raised at home, the complainant disclosed the abuse to her stepmother, who subsequently reported the matter to the police.
After investigations were conducted, the accused was arrested and brought before the courts, culminating in his conviction and sentencing.
