Online ReporterTendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A 53-YEAR-OLD Nyanga man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping his 13-year-old niece.
Shadreck Matsiwira was convicted of rape by Mutare regional magistrate, Mrs Phathekile Msipa, who was sitting at the Nyanga regional circuit court.
Despite pleading not guilty, Matsiwira was found guilty after compelling testimony and medical evidence confirmed the sexual abuse.
During sentencing, magistrate Msipa condemned Matsiwira’s actions as a betrayal of trust and an example of how abusers often hide behind family ties.
“You were not just her uncle. You were supposed to be her protector. Instead, you turned into her predator, the trauma you caused this child will live with her forever. This court has a duty to send a clear message: child abuse will never be tolerated, no matter who the perpetrator is.
“The court is appalled by your actions. You violated a child who trusted you, a child who saw you as a family figure meant to protect her. Instead, you became her abuser.
“This was not only a physical violation but a betrayal of trust and an abuse of power within the family unit. Our justice system will respond firmly and without hesitation to such cruelty. You have shown no remorse, and your actions have caused deep psychological harm.
“The court must impose a sentence that reflects the gravity of your crime and deters would-be offenders,” said magistrate Msipa.
She sentenced Matsiwira to 20 years’ imprisonment, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour for five years.
He will serve an effective 17 years behind bars.
According to the State, which was represented by prosecutor Cuthbert Bosha, after the rape incident, the minor initially told a neighbour about the abuse. However, the neighbour refused to get involved, claiming she was not on good terms with the child’s parents.
The girl later confided in her mother, who also dismissed the complaint as she did not believe her.
Isolated, the child eventually went to the Department of Social Welfare on May 5, 2025, and reported the case.
Social workers assisted her in making a formal police report and ensured she received medical care. The examination confirmed the rape and led to Matsiwira’s arrest.
Meanwhile, in a 20-year-old man from Mtetwa Village, under Chief Saunyama, was sentenced to 15 vears imprisonment after being convicted of rape charges by the same court.
Munashe Bright Zharande pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa but was convicted after a full trial.
Mathew Masinge