By Panashe Karidzagundi
A 42-year-old man from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of raping a nine year old girl.
Charles Ndou appeared before Magistrate Charity Maphosa on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Beitbridge Regional Court, facing the charges rape and he was found guilty of the charge.
The court heard that the offence occurred on July 12, 2025, at Jopembe Village 2 under Chief Sitaundze.
On the night in question, the minor a Grade 2 pupil was playing outside her homestead with other children while her grandmother slept inside the house.
According to Prosecutor Mercy Nyathi, Ndou allegedly approached the homestead, grabbed the child, and forcibly dragged her into a nearby bush.
Ndou reportedly covered the minors mouth to prevent her from screaming.
While in the bush, Ndou sexually assaulted the minor.
Due to her age, the victim is legally considered incapable of consenting to sexual activity.
The minor later returned home after hearing people calling her name and reported the incident to her grandmother.
She was subsequently taken for medical examination, and the matter was reported to the police.
Medical evidence was presented in court to support the prosecution’s case.
Maphosa sentenced Ndou to effective 18-years of imprisonment.