Grandpa (78) jailed for raping niece

A 78-YEAR-OLD Buhera man who raped an orphan he was staying with following the death of her parents was last week sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

The accused person who is married to the complainant’s aunt was not represented when he appeared before Rusape regional magistrate, Mr Francis Mapfumo.

He was convicted after a full trial. Two years of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

State prosecutor, Mr Marlon Makamba said the complainant (18) reported the matter to her aunt soon after the abuse but was instructed to remain mum.

“The accused person is from Guduza Village under Chief Makumbe’s area in Buhera. The complainant is 18 years old and doing Form Four at a local school. The accused and complainant were staying together since 2016 following the death of her father.

“On May 16, 2021, the complainant was at home with the accused and other kids while her aunt had gone to church. The accused person called the complainant into his bedroom and raped her. She attempted to free herself, but she was overpowered. He told the complainant not to reveal the abuse to anyone,” said Mr Makamba.

When the complainant went out of the house, she met her aunt who had returned from church.

“When questioned what she had been doing in her aunt’s bedroom, she revealed what had happened. However, the victim’s aunt told her not to tell anyone.

“On May 17, 2021, the complainant received a call from her brother who is based in Filabusi who just wanted to know if she was alright.

“She told him what had happened. Her brother advised her to go and report the matter to the police.

“On June 2, 2021, the complainant was accompanied by her late father’s brother to file a police report, thereby leading to the arrest of her uncle,” said Mr Makamba.