Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 25-year-old man from Chinavazyimi Village in Beitbridge has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his 15-year old cousin. He was arraigned and convicted by Beitbridge Magistrate Court.
The victim is a Form Two student and was under the care of the accused while her mother was away.
Circumstances are that the accused person dragged the victim into a room threatened her with a knife and raped her. Despite her attempts to resist and scream for help no one intervened.
The victim reported the incident to her mother, who took her to Beitbridge District Hospital for a medical examination.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has urged parents and guardians to exercise caution when leaving minors in the custody of relatives, citing the alarming number of sexual offenses involving minors and family members.
This case highlights the need for increased vigilance and protection of minors from sexual abuse, particularly within family circles.