Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Writer
A 26-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his 17-year-old niece.
The man from Iminyela suburbs, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, was convicted of rape following trial when he appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Mr Pasipanodya Maturure, who rejected the man’s flimsy defence.
In passing sentence, Mr Maturure condemned the man’s conduct and betrayal of family trust, comparing his desperate defence to a drowning man grasping at straws.
“I see no reason why the complainant would make such serious allegations against her uncle. The court is satisfied from the evidence that you committed the offence,” said the magistrate.
Mr Maturure said the court is fully satisfied from the overwhelming evidence that the accused committed the offence.
“You are sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, with no suspension due to the gravity of the crime and your lack of remorse,” ruled the magistrate. Prosecuting, Ms Christina Manyika told the court the incident occurred on November 30 last year, around 10:30 AM, when the man and his niece were home alone, taking a nap on the same bed. Seizing the opportunity, the accused grabbed his niece by the waist, pinned her down despite her screams and resistance and forcibly undressed the complainant before raping her.
When the victim’s older sister returned home and noticed her distress. She quizzed her, and the complainant recounted her ordeal.
A report was made to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest. The complainant was taken to hospital for medical examination.
In his defence, he claimed the niece had faked the rape to cover up her pregnancy.
