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Emily Mbewe Court Reporter
A 24-year-old single father of three from Plumtree was yesterday sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping his niece thrice. The man, Manager Ncube, who was married to the girl’s maternal aunt, pleaded not guilty to rape charges but was convicted by senior regional magistrate Mark Dzira.
Sentencing Ncube, the magistrate bemoaned the increase in the number of child sexual abuse cases saying it was the duty of the courts to protect young girls.
“This court finds you guilty of raping your niece and therefore your sentence must send a clear message to would-be offenders that society abhors such acts. Cases of child abuse are on the rise and it’s important for this court to pass a deterrent sentence,” said magistrate Dzira.
He rebuked Ncube for abusing the girl who looked up to him for protection.
Ncube will however serve an effective 12 years imprisonment after four years of the sentence were suspended on condition that he does not within the next five years commit a similar offence.
In mitigation, Ncube said he was the sole breadwinner and begged the court to allow him to take care of his children.
“I’m a divorced man taking care of three children,” said Ncube.
Prosecuting, Tinashe Dzipe told the court that Ncube who comes from Denga village in Plumtree, met his niece at a well on April 12, 2014 at around 2PM.
Ncube asked for water to drink and after drinking, he slapped the girl once on the cheek accusing her of offering him contaminated water.
Afterwards, Ncube grabbed her and dragged her towards his homestead.
On arrival at his homestead, he took her into his bedroom and undressed her. He then raped her thrice and dismissed her.
The girl went home and later revealed the matter to another uncle who notified the family leading to a police report being made.
Ncube was then arrested.
Online Reporter