Father Sentenced to 20 Years for Horrific Rape of Daughter

BY LAVENDER CHABATA
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, a 42-year-old man from Chief Hikwa, Dombodema, was brought before the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court on charges of rape.
The complainant, who is the accused man’s biological daughter, was just 13 years old at the time of the offenses.
According to a report by National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), The incidents occurred in 2013 when the accused, his wife, and the complainant shared the same room. On one fateful night, while his wife was absent, the accused allegedly took advantage of the situation, leaving his bed to rape his daughter.
He threatened her with dire consequences if she reported him, claiming she would lose a breadwinner. This led to a cycle of repeated sexual assaults, during which the complainant became pregnant.
Despite the trauma, the abuse continued throughout her pregnancy. In 2016, after giving birth, the complainant fled to Botswana to escape her father’s grasp.
She returned to Zimbabwe in December 2024, accompanied by her eight-year-old daughter. Concerned for her child’s safety and fearing a similar fate, the complainant took the brave step of reporting the abuse to the police.
Following her report, authorities acted swiftly, resulting in the arrest of the accused.
He was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison, bringing a measure of justice to a case that underscores the urgent need for vigilance against domestic abuse and the protection of vulnerable children in society.