adminWynne Zanamwe Midlands Reporter
A MVUMA man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping the daughter of a fellow villager who had failed to settle his $50 debt.
Christopher Chikukwa (33) of Vanzil Village, Mvuma appeared before Gweru Regional magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire facing one count of rape.
The court heard the victim’s father owed Chikukwa $50.
He went to the victim’s homestead at around 11 PM to ask for his money, found her alone and raped her.
Chikukwa had pleaded not guilty to the charge but Mr Nemadire convicted him. He will, however, serve 12 years behind bars after Mr Nemadire suspended three years on condition of good behaviour.
“Rape cases are on the increase and the court must give stiffer penalties to deter would-be offenders,” said the magistrate.
Prosecuting, Mr Andrew Marimo, told the court that on February 5 at around 5PM, Chikukwa went to the complainant’s homestead demanding $50 from her father.
At around 6PM, the court heard that the complainant’s father left home to attend a church service.
“Around 11PM the accused returned to complainant’s homestead and knocked at the complainant’s window asking if her father had left his money with her,” said Mr Marimo.
The court heard that the complainant advised the accused that she had not been given the money.
He said Chikukwa asked for some food and the complainant allowed him to enter the house.
“When the complainant was about to go to her bedroom the accused suddenly grabbed the complainant, removed a white cloth from her head which he used to cover her mouth and he raped her once,” said Mr Marimo.
He said the woman reported the matter to their neighbours who teamed up with fellow villagers to effect a citizen’s arrest. — @wynnezane.
Online Reporter