ZIMSPHERE
MUTARE – A 55-year-old man from Mutasa village was sentenced by the Mutare Magistrates' Court for the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter. The man threatened to kill both the victim and her mother to prevent them from reporting the crime.
The State proved that the incident occurred in April 2023 when the girl's mother left her and her sibling in the custody of the accused. One evening, while they were asleep in the same room, he covered the girl's mouth, took her outside, and raped her.
Afterward, he warned her against disclosing the incident—threatening to kill her if she told anyone about her ordeal.
Despite the threats, the victim confided in her mother.
Upon confrontation, the stepfather reiterated his threats, promising to kill both the victim and her mother if they went public with the accusation.
This did not stop the crime from being kept a secret.
The crime was eventually exposed through an anonymous tip to the police, resulting in the man's arrest. He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison, with two years suspended, leaving an effective 18-year term to be served.
.webp)
0 Comments