Mutare Man Gets 17 Years for Raping 8-Year-Old Juvenile at Dump Site
By AfroGazette reporter
A 30-year-old man from Mafuka under Chief Zimunya, Mutare, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with three years suspended after being convicted of raping an 8-year-old juvenile at the Mutare dump site in August this year.
According to court records, the convict, an illegal settler living in a makeshift plastic shelter at the dump site, lured the victim into his dwelling before ordering her to lie down.
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When she resisted, he overpowered her, pushed her to the ground, pulled up her skirt and raped her.
The victim later reported the ordeal to her mother, leading to police investigations that resulted in the man’s arrest.
Mutare Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence, stating that the crime was “cruel and degrading” and warranted a strong deterrent penalty.
The offender will serve an effective 17-year jail term.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) welcomed the ruling, saying it reflected the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from sexual predators.
“This sentence serves as a reminder that rapists and sexual offenders have no place in our society.
“The courts have sent a strong message that such barbaric acts will be met with severe punishment,” said NPAZ in a statement.
The authority also urged communities to remain vigilant and report sexual abuse cases promptly, emphasizing the collective duty to protect women and children from violence.
