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Man in court for 'raping' mentally challenged sister
2 hrs ago |
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A 44-year-old man from Gutu appeared before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura facing multiple charges of raping his mentally challenged sister. The alleged assaults reportedly occurred at the woman's home on several occasions until she reported the matter to police in October 2025.
Court documents state that the accused allegedly forced his way into his sister's house at night during 2025, sexually assaulting her repeatedly while threatening her not to disclose the incidents. The abuse came to light after the man's wife confronted the victim, accusing her of having a sexual relationship with her husband. Following this confrontation, the victim reported the matter at Nerupiri Police Base, resulting in the accused's arrest. The victim also underwent medical examinations.
Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa told the court that, despite her mental challenges, the victim is capable of identifying people, making her especially vulnerable. He noted that the law does not recognize consent from a mentally challenged person, likening the offense to sexual intercourse with a minor. "She knows the accused as her brother. Despite her mental condition, she can identify people clearly. This made it easy for the accused to take advantage of her vulnerability," Mudzingwa said.
The accused denied the charges, arguing that his sister is not mentally challenged. He also claimed she has a history of making false accusations, citing a 2013 case in which she alleged rape by a village head; the accused in that case was later acquitted.
The trial is scheduled to continue next week as the court examines further evidence.
Court documents state that the accused allegedly forced his way into his sister's house at night during 2025, sexually assaulting her repeatedly while threatening her not to disclose the incidents. The abuse came to light after the man's wife confronted the victim, accusing her of having a sexual relationship with her husband. Following this confrontation, the victim reported the matter at Nerupiri Police Base, resulting in the accused's arrest. The victim also underwent medical examinations.
Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa told the court that, despite her mental challenges, the victim is capable of identifying people, making her especially vulnerable. He noted that the law does not recognize consent from a mentally challenged person, likening the offense to sexual intercourse with a minor. "She knows the accused as her brother. Despite her mental condition, she can identify people clearly. This made it easy for the accused to take advantage of her vulnerability," Mudzingwa said.
The accused denied the charges, arguing that his sister is not mentally challenged. He also claimed she has a history of making false accusations, citing a 2013 case in which she alleged rape by a village head; the accused in that case was later acquitted.
The trial is scheduled to continue next week as the court examines further evidence.
Source - Mirror
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