By Tendai Chisiri
GWANDA – A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Gwanda Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping his 14-year-old niece.
The court heard that on 6 February 2026, the victim, a Grade 6 student, was at home when the offender arrived. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe [NPAZ], the girl fled upon seeing him because he had previously harassed her, stating he wanted her to be “the mother of my child.”
The offender chased the victim and waylaid her in a nearby field. Despite her pleas, he undressed and raped her.
After the attack, the offender fled the scene. The victim went to her aunt’s home and reported the incident, leading to the offender’s arrest.
The NPAZ commended the victim and her aunt for coming forward.
“The NPAZ commends the victim and her aunt for the courage to open up and report the offender to the police,” the authority said in a statement dated 12 May 2026.
“Their courage must encourage other victims to expose perpetrators of sexual violence even though they may be relatives.”
The NPAZ said the case underscores the need for communities to protect children and speak out against sexual violence, using the hashtags #NoToSexualAssault and #ProtectChildren.
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