Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A HEARTLESS 18-year-old helper tied up and raped his employer’s three young children—aged just two, six, and seven—in a sickening crime that has left the community reeling.
Markwell Machena, from Machena village under Chief Nekamwe, was slapped with a 90-year sentence by Gokwe Regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje on six counts of rape. The term was later reduced to 45 years, meaning he will likely die in prison.
The court heard how Machena, trusted as a family helper, turned predator when the children’s mother was away between 28 and 30 March. He allegedly lured the toddlers into his bedroom with jiggies (sweets), then tied their hands and feet with rope before raping them one by one.
The nightmare only ended when the mother returned to find her children naked in Machena’s room. After questioning them, the horrifying truth came out—leading to his immediate arrest.
Prosecutor Fatuma Tekera said the victims, now traumatised, are receiving medical and psychological care.
