By Charmaine E Kwenda
A 36-year-old man from Chief Sitaudze’s area in Beitbridge has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court for raping a 15-year-old girl.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the conviction follows an incident in April 2025, in which the accused approached the victim walking on a path to Chicago Business Centre in Chamunanga Village.
“On an afternoon in April 2025, at around 1500 hours, the victim was walking along a footpath en route to Chicago Business Centre in Chamunanga Village, Beitbridge. She encountered the offender, who forcibly grabbed her and dragged her to a secluded area near the riverbank. Despite the victim’s efforts to resist and escape, the offender threatened to kill her,” NPAZ said in a statement.
Following the threat, the accused pushed her to the ground, pinned her down, lifted her dress and raped her.
Immediately after the act, the offender fled the scene.
NPA said the incident was not disclosed until early September 2025, when the victim confided in her teacher.
The teacher alerted the Department of Social Welfare, which initiated proceedings leading to the man’s arrest.
The NPAZ further urged communities to remain vigilant in protecting children and reporting any suspicious or exploitative behaviour to the police.