adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A 19-year-old Plumtree man yesterday pleaded guilty to three counts of raping his Grade Two neighbour. Lovemore Moyo, who resides in Mathendele extension, raped the girl on three different occasions while she was playing outside their homestead. Regional Magistrate Chrispen Mberewere sentenced Moyo to 10 years in prison.
“This court has taken note of the fact that you are a youthful first offender who pleaded guilty to all counts from the onset and avoided wasting the court’s time. At the same time rape is still a serious crime deserving of as fair sentence so communities know this court condemns rape,” said magistrate Mberewere.
He said the court would treat the three counts of rape as one for purposes of sentencing.
“You are therefore sentenced to 10 years in prison of which three years are suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour. You will serve seven effective years for the offences.”
The State led by Trust Muduma is that the rapes occurred during a period ranging from August 29 to September 4.
On one of the occasions, at around 6PM, the girl was playing outside her homestead with two friends while waiting for supper.
After a while her friends left her heading to their homes and she continued playing outside. Moyo arrived and dragged her to a nearby bush. He forcibly removed her clothes and raped her once.
Moyo also approached the girl during the same period and dragged her to the same bush where upon arrival, he raped her once and let her go.
It is believed that Moyo also approached the girl on a different day while she was playing outside at around 7PM. He then dragged her to his homestead where took her into a kitchen hut. While in the kitchen, Moyo undressed himself and the girl, before raping her.
The matter came to light on September 5 when the girl’s mother noticed some discharge on the girl’s panties and interviewed her. The girl told her mother she had been raped and a report was made to the police.
Online Reporter