Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected]
A 19-YEAR-OLD domestic worker from Inyathi in Bubi District was slapped with a 20-year prison term for indecently assaulting his employer’s niece by thrusting his fingers into her private parts before raping her.
The accused was convicted of aggravated indecent assault and rape when he appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube.
In passing sentence, the magistrate slammed the accused, saying he deserved a lengthy prison term.
“Interests and rights of children are of paramount importance, but the offender violated them. It is the duty of the court to protect minor children from sexual predators,” he said.
The magistrate stated that the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The victim is aged six and she is young; as such, the incident left her traumatised and withdrawn. You breached the trust the homeowners had in you and sexually violated their daughter after they had left her in your custody. You deserve to be jailed so that you can reform,” ruled the magistrate.
Prosecuting, Mr Khumalo told the court that on November 25 last year, the minor was left in the custody of the offender by her aunt, who went to a church service. After a couple of minutes, the offender lured the unsuspecting minor to his bedroom hut under the pretext of giving her sweets.
“The minor went into his bedroom hut. Upon getting inside, he caressed her and inserted his finger into her private parts and raped her,” he said.
After the offence, the accused threatened the complainant with unspecified action if she reported the matter to anyone.
On the same day, when they had retired to bed, the minor divulged the sexual violations to her aunt. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
