Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Mberengwa has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 10-year-old niece on New Year’s Day.
The uncle, whose identity has been withheld to protect the identity of his victim, appeared before Zvishavane Regional Magistrate Mr Tayengwa Sangster, facing one count of rape.
He was convicted on his own plea of guilty to rape and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Mr Sangster said the accused person deserves a long custodial sentence, underscoring the judiciary’s firm stance against crimes targeting children.
“The court takes note of the seriousness of sexual crimes against minors, particularly when committed by family members entrusted with their care. The accused is sentenced to 17 years in prison,” Mr Sangster ruled.
It was the State’s case that on New Year’s Eve, the accused entered a kitchen where five young girls were sleeping and used his phone light to identify his victim, a Grade 6 pupil.
His actions were interrupted when other children in the room remained alert and later testified, leading to his swift arrest.
