adminMashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man who turned his tenant’s 14 year-old daughter into a sex slave, tying her up before raping her thrice, has been sentenced to 23 years in jail. Stephen Nhengo, 27, of Westgate suburb was on Friday convicted of three counts of rape and one attempted rape charge by Bulawayo regional magistrate Sibongile Marondedze.
He will serve an effective 21 years in jail after two were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime. Marondedze, in her judgment, said there was enough evidence linking Nhengo to the rape.
“From the evidence before the court we’re satisfied the State has managed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and you’re accordingly found guilty as charged,” said the magistrate. Marondedze expressed concern over the increase in the number of rape cases.
“Rape is a very serious crime and in the circumstances deterrent sentences are called for. Nhengo betrayed the trust bestowed on him by his tenant when raping the man’s daughter several times. Instead of being a fatherly figure, Nhengo chose to turn the victim into a sex slave,” said Marondedze.
Nhengo, Marondedze said was a danger to the community and deserved a lengthy prison term.
“The court frowns at such kind of behaviour and can’t condone it. People like Nhengo should be removed from society because they’re a danger to their communities. A clear message has to be sent to the community that rapists have no place in our modern society. In the circumstances a lengthy prison term will meet the justice of the case,” ruled Marondedze.
Prosecuting, Concilia Ncube said sometime in June this year, the victim was playing in the yard with her younger sister when Nhengo invited the girl to his bedroom under the guise that he wanted to send her to the shops to buy eggs.
The court heard that when the victim got into Nhengo’s bedroom, he closed the door. He then pushed the girl to the ground and tied her hands before removing her clothes and raping her.
After committing the crime, Nhengo threatened to beat up the girl if she revealed the abuse to anyone.
During the same month, Nhengo arrived home and found the victim standing at the gate to his home. He asked the girl to fetch drinking water for him.
“When the girl brought the water, Nhengo grabbed the victim and took her to his room where he tied her hands and raped her,” said Ncube.
The court heard that on the third occasion during the same month Nhengo sent his tenant’s daughter to the garden to collect some vegetables.
“While she was at the garden Nhengo grabbed the girl’s hand and took her to his bedroom where he raped her after which he threatened to assault her if she reported the abuse.
In July the girl relocated to Woollendale where she had the guts to narrate her ordeal to her new guardian. The matter was reported to the police leading to Nhengo’s arrest.
Online Reporter