A 25-year-old man from Gwanda has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on Monday.
In a statement issued on February 2, 2026, the NPAZ said the sentence was handed down by the Gwanda regional magistrates’ court following the offender’s conviction on charges of rape involving a minor.
According to the prosecution, the offence occurred on November 7, 2025, at around 5:30pm, when the victim was at her homestead with her younger brother.
The convict lured the children towards his residence before sending the younger sibling away and committing the offence in a secluded area.
The victim later reported the incident to her mother, who assisted her in making a police report.
The report led to the man’s arrest, prosecution and subsequent conviction.
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In its bulletin, the NPAZ strongly condemned sexual offences against children, reiterating that perpetrators of such crimes have no place in society.
“Communities are urged to work together to protect children from deviant characters,” the authority said, calling for vigilance and prompt reporting of abuse.
The conviction came amid growing concern over gender-based violence and sexual offences against minors, with authorities urging parents, guardians and community leaders to remain alert and to support survivors in seeking justice.
Zimbabwean law prescribes stiff penalties for sexual offences involving minors, reflecting the seriousness with which the courts treat crimes against children.