By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 39 year old stepfather from Lupane has been arrested for raping his 11 Year old step daughter.
The accused appeared at the Lupane Magistrate Court and the case was remanded to the 13th of February 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), states that the incident occured when the accused returned home intoxicated and joined the victim in her bed.
The victim awoke to pain and discovered her clothes had been removed.
The accused allegedly instructed her to remain silent, assuring her she would feel better in the morning.
The victim initially confided in her grandmother, who did not take action.
She subsequently disclosed the abuse to her mother, who then assisted her in filing a police report.
Child sexual abuse led to physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy.