Mutare Teenager Receives 15-Year Sentence for Repeated Rape of 10-Year-Old Niece

A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the repeated rape of his 10-year-old niece.

The sentence was recently handed down by the Mutare Magistrates Court.

The victim, who had lost her parents, was living under the care of her aunt when the accused, a relative, committed the acts.

By Vongai Masuka

The assaults occurred on multiple occasions.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the first assault took place on an unspecified date in 2023 when the complainant returned home from school to find the accused alone at the residence.

“On an unspecified date in 2023 the complainant returned home from school and found accused alone at home.

“The complainant went into the spare bedroom to change her clothes. The accused then followed her into the room and ordered her to cover her face using the clothes from the wardrobe, and she complied out of fear. He then forcibly removed her pants and pushed her to the floor and raped her.” Reads the statement.

The victim, gripped by fear and shame, did not immediately disclose the assault. The accused continued his sexually assaults multiple times, taking advantage of the absence of her aunt.

The NPAZ has urged victims of abuse to seek help and encouraged the public to support survivors by holding perpetrators accountable.