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The Herald, 6 October 1981
A MAN was sentenced to 54 months in jail yesterday at the regional court in Bulawayo for raping his half-sister on the night of November 13.
The woman (21), told the court that she and the accused were sleeping in their separate rooms in their father’s house that night when she had a nightmare and screamed for help.
He came over and suggested she sleep in the dining-room, where he was, if she was afraid to be alone.
When she did this, the accused moved closer and closer until she was forced to go back to her bedroom. The accused followed her and began beating her up. In the struggle which followed, her dress was torn and the accused sexually assaulted her, she said.
A neighbour said he saw the rape through a window after responding to the woman’s screams.
The accused admitted beating up his half-sister, but denied having intercourse.
Dr Raymond of the police forensic science laboratory in Salisbury, said tests indicated she had intercourse within the previous 12 hours.
Magistrate Mr Ray Mackay said that although incestuous rape was a serious crime, he would take into account that the accused was a relatively young man, a first offender, and had already spent six months in custody.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Rape, incest and incestuous rape are separate offences and should be looked at separately as well.
Mutual consent is common for incest, but not in rape and incestuous rape.
Incestuous rape is a blatant betrayal of trust, and may lead to total loss of trust between relatives.
It is imperative that families be observant and attentive to their children, so as to be avoid sexual assault offences in the family set-up.
The use of scientific methods to solve sexual offences is a great achievement which ensures that evidence is available for smooth execution of justice.
Online Reporter