News / National
15 years for raping commercial sex worker
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A 30-year-old man from Sojini Village in Mbembesi, Umguza District, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a commercial sex worker. Gracious Lamula was convicted by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs. Dambudzo Malunga, who ruled that Lamula's actions demonstrated a severe disregard for the victim's autonomy.
Lamula will serve an effective 15-year sentence, as three years were suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within five years. Magistrate Malunga emphasized the serious nature of the crime, citing the need for the courts to protect vulnerable individuals by imposing stern sentences on offenders.
"It is undisputed that the offender and the victim knew each other before the incident, as they had met in the bar and drank together. The victim clearly told the court that she did not consent to the sexual act, while the offender insisted that she had," she noted.
The magistrate underscored the role of the judiciary in deterring sexual violence, especially against vulnerable members of society. "The offender raped a vulnerable member of society, and the court will impose a lengthy prison term to send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated," Mrs. Malunga said, adding that Lamula would serve his sentence without the option of a fine.
In his defense, Lamula claimed that the encounter was consensual, alleging that the complainant falsely accused him because he refused to pay additional money she requested. However, the prosecution, led by Mr. Owen Mugari, presented evidence of Lamula's assault.
The court heard that on March 8, Lamula and the complainant were drinking together at Fingo Business Centre in Mbembesi. Lamula suggested they go to the Mbembesi Police Station canteen for sex. As they walked past a football pitch, Lamula allegedly pretended to need a bathroom break, left the victim behind, then attacked her from behind, tripping her to the ground. He covered her mouth to silence her and then proceeded to rape her.
Lamula's conviction and lengthy sentence serve as a stark warning, demonstrating the courts' commitment to justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Lamula will serve an effective 15-year sentence, as three years were suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within five years. Magistrate Malunga emphasized the serious nature of the crime, citing the need for the courts to protect vulnerable individuals by imposing stern sentences on offenders.
"It is undisputed that the offender and the victim knew each other before the incident, as they had met in the bar and drank together. The victim clearly told the court that she did not consent to the sexual act, while the offender insisted that she had," she noted.
The magistrate underscored the role of the judiciary in deterring sexual violence, especially against vulnerable members of society. "The offender raped a vulnerable member of society, and the court will impose a lengthy prison term to send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated," Mrs. Malunga said, adding that Lamula would serve his sentence without the option of a fine.
In his defense, Lamula claimed that the encounter was consensual, alleging that the complainant falsely accused him because he refused to pay additional money she requested. However, the prosecution, led by Mr. Owen Mugari, presented evidence of Lamula's assault.
The court heard that on March 8, Lamula and the complainant were drinking together at Fingo Business Centre in Mbembesi. Lamula suggested they go to the Mbembesi Police Station canteen for sex. As they walked past a football pitch, Lamula allegedly pretended to need a bathroom break, left the victim behind, then attacked her from behind, tripping her to the ground. He covered her mouth to silence her and then proceeded to rape her.
Lamula's conviction and lengthy sentence serve as a stark warning, demonstrating the courts' commitment to justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Source - The Herald
