Man sentenced to 15 years for attempted rape of stepmother in Beitbridge

ZIMSPHERE 

BEITBRIDGE – A 22-year-old man from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after attempting to rape his stepmother, according to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ). 

Image: iStock 

The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, when the victim, who was resting in her bedroom, allowed the accused to enter after he knocked on her door. He initially asked for washing powder, to which she responded that she would provide him with money to buy some later. 

Later that morning, the accused returned, opened the door without knocking, and then left shortly after peering inside. 

He re-entered the room a final time, hurriedly closing the door behind him as he approached the complainant, who was still in bed under her blankets. 

In a sudden and aggressive move, he pulled down his trousers, charged at her, and attempted to trip her. As he removed her skirt and tried to assault her, a neighbour outside called out his name, prompting him to stop. 

Hearing the commotion, more neighbours gathered, leading to a police report and his subsequent arrest.

The Beitbridge Magistrates Court found the evidence compelling and imposed a 15-year sentence for the crime.