18 years for raping stepdaughter

A 40-YEAR-OLD Odzi man was recently jailed 18 years for raping his stepdaughter (10).

Mutare regional magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe last week convicted the man, whose name was withheld to avoid exposing the victim’s identity.

The man had pleaded not guilty to the rape charge as defined in Section 65(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

He was, however, convicted due to overwhelming evidence produced against him during trial.

“You have been convicted of a heinous crime of violating your own stepdaughter’s trust, innocence and well-being. Your actions have shattered the moral fabric of our society, and the consequences are severe. As a result, the court has deliberated carefully, weighing the evidence, impact on the victim, and the need for justice.

“Your sentence is not merely a punitive measure, but it is a reflection of the pain you have inflicted upon an innocent child. For the crime of rape, you are hereby sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment. During this time, you will reflect upon the gravity of your actions, the trust you have betrayed, and the life you have forever altered,” said Mr Mahwe.

He further stated that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders, while offering some measure of comfort to the deflowered young girl.

“Let this be a reminder that our duty is to protect the vulnerable, and we will not waver in that pursuit,” he said.

Mr Mahwe said the matter should serve as a clarion call that people should remain vigilant and protect children from those bent on harming them.

It was the State case that sometime in October 2023, the victim was left in the custody of her stepfather, alongside her two young sisters. Their mother had visited her aunt. The convict instructed all the three sisters to sleep in his bedroom.

He followed and raped the complainant, while her two siblings were asleep.

Her cries went unheard by her sleeping sisters.

The minor later reported the matter to her mother when she returned home. However, the mother advised her against revealing the matter to anyone, lest she be chased away from home.

The matter only came to light when the complainant confided in her teacher, who then reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the convict.