News / National
Man (46) caught raping 15-year-old niece
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A 46-year-old man from Gwanda has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 15-year-old niece. The accused, whose name is withheld for ethical reasons, was found guilty despite pleading not guilty to the charge.
The conviction was handed down by Gwanda regional magistrate, Ms. Sithembiso Ndebele, who noted the overwhelming evidence presented during trial. Prosecutor Mr. Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the accused and the complainant were living together at her grandmother's homestead at the time of the incident.
On the day of the crime, the accused reportedly sent other children away on an errand, leaving the complainant behind to wash dishes. He then followed her into the kitchen, ordered her to undress, and when she refused, forcibly raped her. The assault was interrupted when the complainant's grandmother, who is also the accused's aunt, caught him in the act. The matter was immediately reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
In delivering the sentence, Ms. Ndebele emphasized the seriousness of the offense, highlighting the breach of trust and the significant age difference between the accused and the victim.
"The accused person is an uncle to the complainant, which means he was supposed to protect her but he decided to harm her," she said.
The ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against sexual violence, particularly cases involving minors and abuse of familial trust.
The conviction was handed down by Gwanda regional magistrate, Ms. Sithembiso Ndebele, who noted the overwhelming evidence presented during trial. Prosecutor Mr. Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the accused and the complainant were living together at her grandmother's homestead at the time of the incident.
On the day of the crime, the accused reportedly sent other children away on an errand, leaving the complainant behind to wash dishes. He then followed her into the kitchen, ordered her to undress, and when she refused, forcibly raped her. The assault was interrupted when the complainant's grandmother, who is also the accused's aunt, caught him in the act. The matter was immediately reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
In delivering the sentence, Ms. Ndebele emphasized the seriousness of the offense, highlighting the breach of trust and the significant age difference between the accused and the victim.
"The accused person is an uncle to the complainant, which means he was supposed to protect her but he decided to harm her," she said.
The ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against sexual violence, particularly cases involving minors and abuse of familial trust.
Source - The Chronicle
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