By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
A 33-year-old Beitbridge man has been sentenced to an effective 18 years in prison for raping his six-year-old niece, following a ruling by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court.
In a statement , the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) said the offence occurred on 2 September 2026, when the offender visited the victim’s homestead at around 1800 hours.
The court heard that the offender called the child into a hut before committing the offence.
The matter came to light after the victim’s mother became concerned that her daughter was taking too long to return.
She went looking for her and, together with a caretaker at the homestead, searched the rooms before discovering the offender with the child.
The victim’s mother immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to the offender’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
The NPA condemned the abuse of vulnerable children, particularly by individuals entrusted with their care, and warned that perpetrators would face the full force of the law.
“The NPAZ condemns all forms of sexual violence, more so those perpetrated against vulnerable children by individuals who are supposed to care for them and warns perpetrators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” reads part of the statement.
The sentence serves as a reminder of the need for communities to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety and protection of children, particularly within family and community settings.