adminThe man, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape but was convicted by Masvingo regional magistrate, Mrs Ester Muremba.
He was sentenced to 50 years in jail, 10 of which were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
Appearing for the State, Mr Emmanuel Mathose told the court that the man, whose wife died in 2004, has been staying with his four children at his home, which comprises a single hut.
They all slept in that same hut. The girl was eight at that time and had three younger brothers.
Close relatives asked the man to let his daughter sleep at their homestead with other young girls but he turned down the suggestion.
On an unknown date but between September and December 2004, the man woke up at midnight and slipped into his daughter’s blankets where he raped her once.
The court heard that he threatened his daughter with assault when she was about to cry.
He again raped her once in January 2010 when they were sleeping in that same hut.
Between April and May 2011, he raped her on seven consecutive days, threatening to kill or beat her if she disclosed the issue to anyone.
After a few days, the girl went to a nearby growth point where she met a CARE officer, Mr Jephias Pikiti to whom she disclosed the sexual abuse she had experienced.
Mr Pikiti took her to the police leading to the father’s arrest.
The medical report, which was produced in court as evidence, indicated that she had contracted a sexually transmitted infection.
Online Reporter