Elinciya Witman
A 49-year-old Chirumanzu man received a 20-year jail term for rape and aggravated indecent assault of his step-daughter and young relatives.
The offences took place between March 2024 and September 2025. In one case, the man raped his 17-year-old stepdaughter while she was sweeping the house, threatening to kill her if she told anyone.
The offender, on another occasion, woke up another 13-year-old victim in 2023 and complained about her bed wetting habits.
He inserted his fingers into the minor’s private parts a couple of times, leading to the victim confiding in her younger sibling (11), who also confirmed the abuse.
On count four, the offender allegedly knocked on the door of the victim (13), who asked him to wait since she was naked, but he proceeded and fondled her breasts.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) issued a statement condemning the abuse and expressing concern over a growing pattern of child sexual abuse by close relatives.
“The raping of juveniles by close relatives is becoming a worrying trend as these are people trusted by the children,” said the NPAZ. “Communities are urged to be on the lookout and put in place measures to protect children from paedophiles.”
The NPAZ emphasised that the offender’s actions represented a serious breach of trust, and the justice system had responded firmly with an effective 20-year custodial sentence.
This case underscores the pressing need for enhanced child protection within families and communities.
