Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 38-YEAR-OLD man from Jambezi outside Victoria Falls has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping a 14-year-old mentally ill girl.
Nkosilathi Mhlanga was convicted of rape by Hwange regional magistrate, Mr Shepherd Mnjanja.
In passing sentence, Mr Munjanja condemned Mhlanga’s actions, saying the court has an obligation to protect vulnerable girl children from sex predators.
“Rape is a serious offence, particularly where the victim is a minor and mentally challenged. The court must send a strong message to those who prey on society’s most vulnerable by imposing a harsh term to deter would-be offenders,” he said.
Prosecuting, Chido Tshuma told the court the sexual attack occurred on September 10 at around 1 PM.
The complainant, a Form One pupil, was walking home from shops in BH09 Ndlovu Village under Chief Mvuthu when Mhlanga approached her.
The offender forcibly dragged the girl to a nearby unoccupied hut and raped her, the court heard. Afterwards, Mhlanga ordered her to dress and go home.
“The girl reported the assault to her mother upon arrival. The two returned to the shops, where the victim positively identified Mhlanga. A police report was made, leading to Mhlanga’s arrest.
The complainant was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical examination.
