Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A 34-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison after he was convicted of attempting to rape his 15-year-old relative.
The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the victim, was initially sentenced to 20 years in jail.
Three years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve 17 years behind bars. Mutare regional magistrate, Sekai Chiundura, presided over the matter, while Ton Nyatsuro prosecuted.
The State heard it that the incident occurred in December last year when the complainant was visiting her rural home in Odzi.
The convict approached the juvenile and proposed a love relationship.
The teenager rejected the proposal.
Despite the rejection, the man allegedly continued pursuing the minor.
On December 9, last year, he misled the complainant’s grandmother by claiming he wanted to take the teenage girl to his home where he wanted to give her a cellphone.
“The victim was initially reluctant to go with him but her grandmother, believing there was no danger, persuaded her to accompany the relative to collect the device.
“However, when they arrived at his house, the man allegedly turned violent.
“He forcibly pushed the girl onto a mattress and attempted to rape her.
“The complainant resisted fiercely and bit the accused, forcing him to abandon the attack.
“She later returned to Mutare where she informed her mother about what had happened.
“The matter was then reported to Sakubva Police Station, leading to investigations and the offender’s arrest,” said Nyatsuro.
Magistrate Chiundura strongly condemned the abuse of trust and the targeting of a vulnerable child.
“This court views offences against children as extremely serious, particularly where the offender uses deception and family trust to gain access to the victim.
“A child should feel safe among relatives, and within the community, yet in this matter the complainant was subjected to fear and trauma at the hands of someone who was expected to protect her.
“You abused the trust placed in you by the family and sought to take advantage of a young and defenceless girl.”
The magistrate added:
“Such conduct cannot be tolerated in a civilised society.
“The courts have a duty to safeguard minors and to send a clear message that those who prey on children will face stern punishment.
“A custodial sentence is necessary not only to punish you as the offender, but also to deter like-minded individuals and to protect other children from similar harm,” she said.
Mathew Masinge