A 35-year-old man from Masvingo has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape and ordered to pay a fine of US$2 100 or face an additional month in jail for defaulting on payment. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) released a statement on X detailing the events leading to the man’s conviction.
On the 29th of May 2024, the accused person went to the complainant’s homestead in Tauya Village, Masvingo, around 0800 hours. He inquired about the complainant’s mother’s whereabouts, and when she said she did not know, he became angry and assaulted her, blaming her mother for his divorce. The accused then pulled out a knife and threatened the complainant before raping her.
The victim managed to scream for help, and her brother came to her rescue. They went to the brother’s house, but the accused person followed them, still threatening to assault them. The complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the accused person’s arrest. The court found the accused guilty of rape and assault and handed down the sentence.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe, which remains a significant concern despite efforts by the government and civil society organizations to address it. According to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, one in three women in Zimbabwe has experienced some form of physical violence, while one in four has experienced sexual violence.
The government has put in place measures to combat gender-based violence, including the establishment of specialized courts to handle such cases and the development of a national gender-based violence strategy. However, more needs to be done to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive the support they need.
