Teen jailed 15 years for raping grandmother

A 19-year-old man from Bikita has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 73-year-old grandmother.

The unnamed offender was sentenced by the Masvingo Regional Magistrates' Court, with Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura presiding over the case.

In delivering judgment, Magistrate Bepura described the offence as particularly serious given the age and vulnerability of the victim.

"It is not in dispute that sexual intercourse occurred, but the issue is of consent. The complainant's evidence shows that force was used," he said.

The court rejected the accused's claim that the relationship was consensual, noting that the evidence pointed to coercion and violence.

Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa told the court that the incident occurred on January 16, 2024, at around 11pm at the grandmother's homestead in Chief Mazungunye's area.

The elderly woman had been asleep when the accused knocked on her door, claiming he had been sent by a relative from Masvingo.

When she opened the door, she noticed he had partially covered his face with a cloth. As she attempted to close it, he forced his way inside and assaulted her.

During the attack, the cloth fell away, allowing her to identify him.

The victim attempted to call for help, prompting neighbours to rush to the homestead, but the attacker had already fled. The matter was later reported to police.

In his defence, the accused told the court he had been in a sexual relationship with his grandmother since his primary school years and alleged the encounters were consensual.

He further claimed the report was made after he failed to buy her a blanket.

The court dismissed his version, finding it implausible and inconsistent with the evidence presented.

The 15-year sentence reflects the gravity of the offence and the aggravating circumstances surrounding the case.