A Rusape Magistrates’ Court has handed down a 20-year jail sentence to a 23-year-old Nyazura man for the rape of a 6-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred on October 15th, 2024, highlights the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence in Zimbabwe. The swift conviction and sentencing underscore the seriousness with which the courts are treating such crimes.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) released a statement detailing the events leading to the conviction.
According to the NPA, “A 23-year-old man from Nyazura appeared before the Rusape Magistrates’ Court on rape charges.”
The statement outlines the brutal nature of the attack: “On the 15th of October 2024, the convict approached the 6-year-old girl who was outside a kitchen and carried her to a nearby hill. They got into a cave and he ordered her to remain silent.”
The statement continues, describing the rape itself: “The convict removed the complainant’s clothes before raping her. After committing the offence, he ordered her to return home.”
The case came to light the following day when the victim confided in her grandmother. This act of courage, in reporting the crime, was crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice. A police report was subsequently filed, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The NPA statement further notes that the accused pleaded guilty to the charges. This guilty plea likely expedited the legal process, contributing to the relatively swift sentencing.
The 20-year prison sentence reflects the court’s determination to punish the offender and send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. The severity of the sentence is a significant deterrent against future offences.
