Woman raped in children's presence

A NYANGA man who raped a neighbour's wife in the full glare of her helpless three children at knife point and went on to rob the family of $96 has been sentenced to 28 years in jail. Nelson Mamhizha (25) pleaded guilty to the two counts of rape and robbery respectively when he appeared before Rusape regional magistrate, Mr Livingstone Chipadza.

District public prosecutor, Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira, told the court that a lengthy jail term was appropriate for Mamhiza. He said the way the crime was perpetrated was a humiliating experience which traumatised both the complainant and her children.

"Her children will grow up with that humiliating experience in their minds because their mother was raped with them watching helplessly. A lengthy jail term is appropriate," he said in aggravation.

The court heard that on February 17 at around 11pm, the complainant was sleeping in her house with her children when she was awakened by a knock on the door.

"She asked the person who was knocking to identify himself or herself, but there was no reply. After a few minutes the intruder pushed the door and got inside. He rushed to where the complainant was sleeping and grabbed her by the neck to stop her from screaming.

"The complainant tried to rescue herself, but she was overpowered. The suspect pulled a knife and threatened to kill her if ever she screamed. By that time her children who were also in the room had awakened," said Mr Mutyasira.

Mamhiza then raped the complainant in the full glare of her three children who could do nothing about it since they were minors.

"After raping her, he asked for money and was given $96 which was hidden in a pillow. The children started crying, but the suspect told them to shut up, pointing the knife at them saying he would kill them all. Fearing for her children's lives, she told them to comply and stop crying," he said.

After committing the crimes he disappeared into the darkness and sought refuge at a nearby school. A report was made to the police leading to his arrest. Mr Chipadza suspended four years of the sentence on condition of good behaviour.

In an unrelated rape case which happened in Nyazura, a 42-year-old man was slapped with an 18-year jail term after he was found guilty of raping his 14-year-old niece.

Although he denied the charges when he appeared before Mr Chipadza, Samuel Nyaungwa Munodaani was found guilty after a full trial. Mr Mutyasira told the court that the crime was perpetrated on October 4 last year.

"On that day at around 8pm, the accused person was at home with the complainant and other children after his wife had gone to Harare leaving him in the custody of the minors.

"He ordered the complainant to take a radio they were listening to his bedroom. While the complainant was inside, he followed her and turned up the volume of the radio. He asked the girl to touch his manhood, but she refused. He threatened to assault her and she subsequently complied. After a while he raped her. The following day the teenager revealed the case to her friend while they were going to school. The case was reported to the police," said Mr Mutyasira.

Munodaani denied the charges saying his niece was cooking up facts to nail him just because he was critical of her promiscuous behaviour. Mr Chipadza did not buy his story. Three years of the sentence were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.