News / Local
Firewood poacher raped
17 Oct 2015 at 10:40hrs | Views
A FARM worker who raped a woman from Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo after finding her poaching firewood at his employer's property was yesterday sentenced to 13 years in jail.
Bulawayo regional magistrate Chrispen Mberewere convicted Decent Munsaka, 20, of Greengables Farm in Umguza district, of rape.
Munsaka will serve an effective 10 years in jail after three years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.
Mberewere, in his judgment, expressed concern over an increase in the number of rape cases. He said a lengthy prison term was the only way to keep rapists away from potential victims. "In the circumstances, I believe a long prison term is the most appropriate punishment as it will also send a clear message to like-minded people. Courts don't tolerate rape and for what you did you will have to go to jail," ruled Mberewere.
Prosecuting, Trust Muduma said on May 27 this year shortly after 9AM, the victim strayed into Greengables Farm together with her neighbours.
While inside poaching firewood, they were spotted by Munsaka who was conducting routine patrols on the farm.
The court heard that Munsaka, who was armed with an axe, chased after the women.
"He managed to catch up with the victim. He apprehended her and threatened to take her to the farm authorities for stealing firewood," said Muduma.
Munsaka, the court heard, slapped the woman before he demanded to have sex with her in exchange for freedom.
After raping the victim, Munsaka asked for the woman's mobile number before he escorted her out of the farm.
The court heard that on arrival home, the victim informed her aunt about the rape. They went to Pumula Police Station where they reported the matter leading to Munsaka's arrest.
Bulawayo regional magistrate Chrispen Mberewere convicted Decent Munsaka, 20, of Greengables Farm in Umguza district, of rape.
Munsaka will serve an effective 10 years in jail after three years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.
Mberewere, in his judgment, expressed concern over an increase in the number of rape cases. He said a lengthy prison term was the only way to keep rapists away from potential victims. "In the circumstances, I believe a long prison term is the most appropriate punishment as it will also send a clear message to like-minded people. Courts don't tolerate rape and for what you did you will have to go to jail," ruled Mberewere.
Prosecuting, Trust Muduma said on May 27 this year shortly after 9AM, the victim strayed into Greengables Farm together with her neighbours.
While inside poaching firewood, they were spotted by Munsaka who was conducting routine patrols on the farm.
The court heard that Munsaka, who was armed with an axe, chased after the women.
"He managed to catch up with the victim. He apprehended her and threatened to take her to the farm authorities for stealing firewood," said Muduma.
Munsaka, the court heard, slapped the woman before he demanded to have sex with her in exchange for freedom.
After raping the victim, Munsaka asked for the woman's mobile number before he escorted her out of the farm.
The court heard that on arrival home, the victim informed her aunt about the rape. They went to Pumula Police Station where they reported the matter leading to Munsaka's arrest.
Source - chronicle
