A Chivhu Regional Magistrate has sentenced an extremely lula lula-starved 20-year-old man to 15 years in prison for raping a 104-year-old granny.
Taringanashe Mbwera, from Sadza in Mashonaland East province, was found guilty of the heinous crime last Friday after a full trial. The court heard that on August 12, 2024, Mbwera entered the granny’s home through an unlocked door and went into her bedroom.
He then produced a knife and threatened her, forcing her to choose between being raped or being killed. The elderly woman refused to pick any of the options, but Mbwera proceeded to lift her from her bed, place her on the floor, then had lula lula with her without using protection.
The granny screamed for help, alerting her granddaughter who was sleeping in another room. The granddaughter rushed to her grandmother’s aid, but Mbwera had already fled the scene. The granddaughter then accompanied her grandmother to report the crime to the police, leading to Mbwera’s arrest.
The prosecution, led by Mr Mike Choto, presented compelling evidence that proved Mbwera’s guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. The court heard that Mbwera’s actions were particularly cruel and callous, as he targeted a vulnerable elderly woman who was unable to defend herself. The attack left the granny traumatised and shaken.
In mitigation, Mbwera claimed that he was drunk when he committed the offence. However, the court found that his intoxication did not excuse his actions. The magistrate, Mr Tranos Utahwashe, stated that the severity of the crime warranted a lengthy prison sentence to deter future offenders.
The case highlights the growing problem of sexual violence against vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and young girls.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of elderly people in their homes, as it demonstrates that even in the privacy of their own residences, they are not immune to sexual attacks.
The court’s decision to impose a 15-year prison sentence sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. It is hoped that this sentence will serve as a deterrent and encourage other victims of sexual violence to come forward and report their abusers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes face the full force of the law.
This case is not an isolated incident. Zimbabwe has witnessed a disturbing rise in cases of sexual violence against women and children in recent years. The government has implemented various programmes to combat this scourge
