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2 herd boys jailed for rape
13 hrs ago |
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A Zvishavane regional court has sentenced two herd boys from Mberengwa District to a combined 30 years in prison after convicting them of raping minor girls in separate incidents.
Regional magistrate Mr Tavengwa Sangster handed down the sentences following full trials in which both accused denied the charges but were found guilty.
Tapiwa Dube (24) of Chief Mazvihwa area was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl. Prosecutor Mr Isheanesu Mashaya told the court that on March 21 last year, around 11PM, Dube unlawfully entered a bedroom hut where the complainant was asleep with her siblings. He sneaked into the child's blankets and raped her.
The girl screamed, alerting her 14-year-old brother who switched on the light and rushed to inform their mother. The mother confronted Dube, who was found at the doorway putting on his slippers. A camouflage cap belonging to Dube was later recovered in the hut, leading to his arrest after a police report was filed.
In a separate case, Siyabonga Tshuma (18) of Zikali Village, Chief Nyamhondo, was also sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old girl. The court heard that in December last year, Tshuma proposed love to the minor, who agreed despite being legally incapable of consent.
He later invited her to his bedroom at night. On one occasion, the girl lied to her mother that she was going to the toilet but instead went to Tshuma's room, where the two engaged in sexual intercourse. The relationship continued until the girl's mother discovered a video in which her daughter professed love for Tshuma. Upon questioning, the minor revealed the sexual encounters, leading to Tshuma's arrest and the girl's referral for medical examination.
In both cases, the magistrate emphasized that minors are legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity, and the convictions reflect the seriousness with which the courts treat sexual offences against children.
The sentences serve as a stern warning to would-be offenders and underscore the judiciary's commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
Regional magistrate Mr Tavengwa Sangster handed down the sentences following full trials in which both accused denied the charges but were found guilty.
Tapiwa Dube (24) of Chief Mazvihwa area was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl. Prosecutor Mr Isheanesu Mashaya told the court that on March 21 last year, around 11PM, Dube unlawfully entered a bedroom hut where the complainant was asleep with her siblings. He sneaked into the child's blankets and raped her.
The girl screamed, alerting her 14-year-old brother who switched on the light and rushed to inform their mother. The mother confronted Dube, who was found at the doorway putting on his slippers. A camouflage cap belonging to Dube was later recovered in the hut, leading to his arrest after a police report was filed.
In a separate case, Siyabonga Tshuma (18) of Zikali Village, Chief Nyamhondo, was also sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old girl. The court heard that in December last year, Tshuma proposed love to the minor, who agreed despite being legally incapable of consent.
He later invited her to his bedroom at night. On one occasion, the girl lied to her mother that she was going to the toilet but instead went to Tshuma's room, where the two engaged in sexual intercourse. The relationship continued until the girl's mother discovered a video in which her daughter professed love for Tshuma. Upon questioning, the minor revealed the sexual encounters, leading to Tshuma's arrest and the girl's referral for medical examination.
In both cases, the magistrate emphasized that minors are legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity, and the convictions reflect the seriousness with which the courts treat sexual offences against children.
The sentences serve as a stern warning to would-be offenders and underscore the judiciary's commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
Source - The Chronicle
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