By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 22-year-old man from Mawindi Village, Nkayi, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted on two counts of rape against a 12-year-old girl residing at the same homestead.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the first assault occurred in the early morning hours between November 10th and 16th, 2024.
The child was sleeping with her grandmother when the accused person insisted she sleep in a separate, unfinished building. Shortly after the grandmother left, the accused person allegedly uncovered the child, removed her clothing, and sexually assaulted her.
He then threatened her with an okapi knife, warning her not to tell anyone. Later the same day, in the afternoon, the accused accompanied the child to a grinding mill. On their return journey, he reportedly dragged her to the ground, removed her clothing, and sexually assaulted her again.
He repeated his threat, brandishing the same knife and threatened her with death if she disclosed the abuse.
The court heard that following these incidents, the accused person persistently followed the child.
Eventually, the 12-year-old girl managed to escape from the homestead and reported the abuse to the Nkayi Police Station.
This report led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the 22-year-old man.