A 42-YEAR-OLD Gwanda man has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison after being convicted of raping a 11-year-old minor.
The accused, whose identity was withheld to protect the identity of the minor, was sentenced by the Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the offender was known to the victim’s family.
The offence occurred while the child was left in the care of the offender.
The abuse was discovered shortly thereafter, but the matter was not immediately reported.
The offender attempted to persuade the child’s guardian to remain silent, resulting in a delay in reporting the crime.
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The incident was eventually reported to the police later in December 2025, leading to the offender’s arrest and prosecution.
In a statement following the conviction, the NPAZ reiterated its firm stance against sexual offences involving children, as crimes of this nature cause lasting harm and will be met with the full force of the law.
“Paedophiles have no place in our society. Communities are urged to work together to protect children from deviant characters like the offender,” NPAZ noted.
The NPAZ also urged communities to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspected cases of child abuse, stressing that early reporting is critical in protecting children and ensuring justice.