Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini-Court Reporter
A 40-YEAR-OLD man who was being tried for raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter, was yesterday slapped with a 20-year jail term.
Blessed Shiri of Kuwadzana, Harare, had initially pleaded not guilty to the offence but was convicted after a full trial by Harare magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni.
The court heard that in 2023, the victim was in Grade 5 and residing with her mother and stepfather.
On an unknown date, while the girl was preparing for school, Shiri entered into the girl’s bedroom and told her he wanted to be intimate with her.
The girl refused and Shiri threatened to assault her.
He then locked the door, undressed both himself and sexually assaulted her.
He continued to sexually abuse the complainant on several occasions thereafter. The matter only came to light on September 1 this year when the child confided in her mother’s friend.
On October 8, Shiri assaulted the girl , leading neighbours to inquire why he assaulted her severely and she revealed that he had raped her multiple times.
A tip-off was made to ZRP Kuwadzana, and members from the Victim Friendly Unit reacted swiftly, leading to the arrest of the step father.
Blessed Songozo appeared for the State.
