Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
A 38-year-old nomadic gold panner from Arda Endeavour in Mhangura has been sentenced to an effective 50 years in prison after being convicted of repeatedly raping his three minor daughters.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims, was convicted on three counts of rape at the Chinhoyi Regional Court.
The court heard that between August 2025 and September 2026, the accused repeatedly sexually abused his 16-year-old and 12-year-old daughters, often after asking them to accompany him to a mining site.
He also repeatedly raped his 10-year-old daughter when they shared a room, bed and blanket.
In all three cases, the court heard the man threatened to kill the children if they ever disclosed the abuse.
The abuse came to light after the eldest daughter left home and went to stay with her boyfriend.
The boyfriend’s mother subsequently took the girl to Makonde Christian Hospital, where she was admitted. She then disclosed the abuse.
The matter was then reported to the police, leading to investigations in which all three victims were interviewed and provided accounts of the abuse.
The court imposed 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the three counts, with 10 years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, resulting in an effective 50-year custodial sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) condemned the abuse, particularly the violation of children by people entrusted with their care.
In a statement, the authority said sexual abuse of children constitutes a grave betrayal of trust and reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
“The authority remains committed to its mandate of prosecuting perpetrators of rape and all forms of sexual violence, ensuring that justice is served and that vulnerable members of society are protected,” NPAZ said.
