Mutare man sentenced to 20 years for 14-year-old niece’s rape, incest

ZIMSPHERE 

MUTARE – A 45-year-old man from the Chief Marange area in Odzi has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of his 14-year-old step-niece, according to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ). The Mutare Magistrates' Court found him guilty on two counts: rape and incest.

Image: iStock 

In June 2024, the man exploited the absence of the girl's mother to lure the complainant into his room under the pretense of collecting sugar cane. 

Once there, he ordered her to kneel and retrieve the sugar cane from under the bed, then closed the door and committed the assault, warning her to remain silent.

The incident went unreported initially. However, on June 28, the accused again called the girl to his home. Her mother, upon returning and discovering her daughter's absence, found her hidden under the accused's bed. 

The girl then disclosed the assaults and her overnight detention, prompting her mother to report the crime to the police, leading to the man's arrest.

The court sentenced him to 15 years for the first count of rape and an additional 5 years for incest, resulting in a total of 20 years of imprisonment.