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Mberengwa man sentenced to 20 years for raping 16‑year‑old relative
23 Mar 2026 at 19:38hrs |
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The Zvishavane Regional Magistrates' Court has sentenced a 34‑year‑old Mberengwa man to 40 years in prison for two counts of raping a 16‑year‑old relative, with the sentences running concurrently for an effective 20 years.
The offender, who lived with the victim, committed the first rape at their shared homestead in Village Funyisai in February 2026 after summoning her to his bedroom, locking the door and raping her. He threatened to kill her with an axe if she told anyone.
Later that month, he followed the victim into a nearby forest where she was collecting firewood, tripped her to the ground and raped her again.
The matter came to light on 16 March 2026 when the victim informed her stepmother, who immediately reported the case to police.
The court said the sentence reflects not only punishment for the acts but also the psychological trauma and intimidation used to silence young victims within their own families.
The offender, who lived with the victim, committed the first rape at their shared homestead in Village Funyisai in February 2026 after summoning her to his bedroom, locking the door and raping her. He threatened to kill her with an axe if she told anyone.
Later that month, he followed the victim into a nearby forest where she was collecting firewood, tripped her to the ground and raped her again.
The matter came to light on 16 March 2026 when the victim informed her stepmother, who immediately reported the case to police.
The court said the sentence reflects not only punishment for the acts but also the psychological trauma and intimidation used to silence young victims within their own families.
Source - Byo24News
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