Rapist weeps after 20-year sentence

A 34-year-old Nkayi man yesterday wept uncontrollably after a regional magistrate sentenced him to 20 years in prison for raping a minor.

Prosper Mnkandla from Dimpamiwa area in Nkayi was convicted for raping a 10-year-old neighbour.

Regional magistrate Sikhumbuzo Nyathi cited the prevalence of adult men who abuse the trust bestowed upon them to sexually abuse innocent girls. He pointed to the prevalence of rape cases and said vulnerable young girls should be protected from HIV/Aids.

Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Mnkandla continued to deny the charges laid against him.

It is the State's case that sometime in January 2012, the complainant was on her way home alone from school when she met Mnkandla.

Since they were neighbours, Mnkandla greeted her before dragging the defenceless complainant into the nearby bush where he raped her.

After the rape he threatened her with an okapi knife, warning her against ever telling anyone about what had happened.

Prosecutor Masimba Saruwaka told the court that between January 2012 and March 2013, Mnkandla continued to sexually abuse the juvenile on countless occasions on her way to school.

The incident, however, came to light after the complainant's school teacher asked her why she always came late to school. That is when she narrated the ordeal. The case was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.