Centenary man convicted for rɑping and impregnɑting 12-year-old stepdaughter, sending her to Mozambique
A shocking case of ƨǝxuɑl abuse has resulted in the conviction of a 36-year-old man from Centenary, whose identity is being withheld to protect the victim’s privacy.
The man, awaiting sentencing, was found guilty of rɑping and impregnɑting his 12-year-old stepdaughter before orchestrating a plan to send her to Mozambique to conceal the pregnɑncy.
The distressing ordeal began when the minor was just 11 years old, attending Goteka Primary School in Centenary. The accused, residing at Chipiri Farm, was entrusted with the care of the victim and her younger brother by their mother between May and July 2021.
During this period, the stepfather, without remorse or regard for the young girl’s well-being, entered her bedroom under the pretence of checking on her. He summoned her to his own bedroom, luring her with the promise of snacks. However, instead of providing treats, he subjected her to unspeakable acts of abuse.
Frightened and coerced, the minor complied with the stepfather’s demands but refused to sleep on the bed. In response, he menacingly brandished a knife, threatening to end her life should she disobey. In an atmosphere of terror, he proceeded to assault her, violating not only her innocence but also her trust.
The abuse did not end there. In a separate incident in 2022, the stepfather forcibly woke the young girl in the dead of night and dragged her to the backyard. There, he callously pushed her to the ground and subjected her to another harrowing act of rɑpe.
In a disturbing turn of events, the stepfather grew apprehensive when he suspected the victim was pregnɑnt. In an attempt to hide the evidence of his heinous crimes, he secretly transported her to Mozambique without her mother’s knowledge. Once there, he left her in the custody of his acquaintance, Brian Rembani, supposedly to give birth and conceal the truth.
Left alone and abandoned by Rembani, the vulnerable minor endured the challenges of motherhood at such a tender age. It was not until September that she made the courageous decision to return to Zimbabwe, bringing her child with her. Seeking solace and support, she confided in her aunt, who immediately informed the mother of the unspeakable horrors her daughter had endured.
The matter was reported to the authorities, leading to the arrest of the stepfather. Following a thorough trial, Bindura magistrate Mr Amos Mbobo delivered a conviction, recognizing the gravity of the crimes committed.
This deeply distressing case highlights the urgent need for greater protection of children and the eradication of ƨǝxuɑl abuse within our society. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing ordeal, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a safe environment for all children, where their well-being is of paramount importance.
