By Loyd Matare
The Bindura Regional Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 53-year-old Dotito man to 20 years in prison for r@ping his 9-year-old granddaughter, in a case prosecutors described as a “shocking betrayal of trust.”
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on 20 June 2025 at around 7PM, after the young juvenile had sought refuge in her grandfather’s bedroom following a misunderstanding with her uncle.
In a statement, NPAZ said the offender “exploited the child’s isolation and perpetrated the s£xual assault, threatening her to stop her from reporting the crime.”
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The victim later confided in a trusted family friend, leading to the arrest of the grandfather.
Prosecutors said the court found the man guilty based on the circumstances of the case, emphasizing the “severity of the abuse of trust, the victim’s extreme vulnerability, and the close familial relationship” between the pair.
NPAZ welcomed the heavy sentence, saying it reflects the justice system’s position on crimes against children.
“This sentence sends an unequivocal message that the safety and protection of our children is non-negotiable,” the authority said.
“Those who abuse their position of trust, especially against the most vulnerable members of their own families, will face the full force of the law.”
The prosecuting authority urged communities not to stay silent when abuse occurs.
“NPAZ urges communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child abuse immediately.
“Protecting every child is a collective responsibility.”
