Man jailed 7 years for rape

A GWANDA man will serve seven years in prison after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl. Colleen Ndlovu (19) of Nyandeni village denied ever having sexual intercourse with the girl (who cannot be named for legal reasons) but claimed she was his girlfriend.

However, Gwanda regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza found Ndlovu guilty of three counts of rape and sentenced him to 18 years imprisonment.

For each count, Ndlovu got a six-year jail term which was then reduced to 12 years imprisonment after the magistrate said count one and two will run concurrently.

Of the remaining 12 years, Mr Mabeza suspended five years meaning that Ndlovu will serve an effective seven-year jail term.

In passing the sentence, Mr Mabeza said he had taken into consideration that Ndlovu was a first offender who was still immature.

He said the courts usually afforded young offenders like Ndlovu an opportunity to amend their bad ways and also to ensure that they were not exposed to hard core criminals that would corrupt them.

“Rape is a serious offence that traumatises survivors mentally and physically. It also exposes survivors to contracting sexually transmitted infections and HIV,” said Mr Mabeza.

He said Ndlovu’s defence to a certain extent corroborated with the complainant’s allegations although she denied being in a love relationship with Ndlovu or ever visiting him.

“A love affair was also rejected. Accused had no defence to offer. Therefore, your defence will not be believed,” Mr Mabeza said.

Prosecutor Mr Mncedisi Dube said Ndlovu raped the complainant on 30 July 2014 at his homestead after indicating to her that most girls were rejecting his love proposals.

“The accused lifted the complainant and put her on the bed. He then removed her clothes, closed her mouth and forcefully had unprotected sexual intercourse with her without her consent. The accused threatened the complainant with assault if she revealed the matter to anyone,” said Mr Dube.

Ndlovu raped the complainant again on 2 August at his home and for the third time he raped her when they were on the mountains picking some wild fruits.

The matter came to light when the complainant’s sister realised that the girl had difficulties when walking.

She revealed what had happened when she was questioned and they reported Ndlovu to the police leading to his arrest.