Boy (17) to receive 4 strokes of cane for rape

A Chitungwiza regional magistrate on Friday sentenced a 17-year-old boy to receive four strokes of the cane for raping his six-year-old cousin.

In addition the boy was slapped with a wholly suspended three-year jail term. He denied rape charges before magistrate Ms Estere Chivasa and was convicted after a full trial.

In sentencing him, Ms Chivasa said to keep in check the boy's behaviour, he should have a suspended sentence hovering over him.

"The probation officer's report has shown that the boy is a bully and if left without a suspended sentence, he will probably repeat such an offence.

"The complainant is only six and is somehow related to the accused. Four cuts will meet justice to the offence," said Ms Chivasa.

Prosecutor Ms Tafadzwa Makwande proved that sometime in April this year, the boy went to the minor's home.

On arrival, he took advantage of the absence of the minor's guardian and took her inside the toilet where he raped her.

The matter came to light when the minor's sister met her in Epworth and noted that she was having difficulties in walking.

When the girl's sister asked her what had happened, the minor explained that she was experiencing some pains.

This led her sister to suspect that the minor could have been sexually abused and examined her. She noted that she was discharging some fluids.

Upon interviewing her, she revealed that she was sexually abused by the boy.

The matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest.