Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
A 53-year-old man from Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, has been jailed to 15 years in prison by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court for raping his niece.
The man was convicted of sexually attacking the 17-year-old relative on two occasions.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the victim visited the offender’s homestead sometime in January 2020.
“After the offender and his wife returned from church, the wife ordered the victim to serve the offender tea while she left to buy relish. The offender then sent his son away to fetch water, leaving himself alone with the teenager.
“He dragged the victim into the kitchen, forced her to the ground and raped her, ordering her to keep the matter secret,” said NPAZ.
On the second occasion, the victim was left alone preparing food while other relatives were in the fields and the offender approached her under the guise of charging his cellphone and raped her again.
“The matter came to light in 2025, after the victim joined a health WhatsApp group and recognised symptoms she was suffering from. On the advice of the social media group administrator’s advice, the victim sought medical care before disclosing the abuse to her school teacher. A report was made to the police, leading to the offender’s arrest,”
NPAZ said the justice system remains resolute in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children, from heinous predators.
“Exploitation and abuse against infants and juveniles constitute a grave violation of human dignity and the law will continue to impose stiff and uncompromising custodial sentences to ensure justice is served,” added NPAZ.
Sidumisile Mabena