Bikita Teen Jailed 15 Years for Raping 73-Year-Old Grandmother

MASVINGO – A 19-year-old man from Bikita has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Masvingo Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping his 73-year-old grandmother in a disturbing case that has shocked the local community. The offender, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, appeared before Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura, who described the crime as particularly heinous given the vulnerability and advanced age of the complainant.

Passing sentence, Magistrate Bepura said the central issue before the court was whether the sexual act had been consensual, as claimed by the accused.

“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 ruled.

The court dismissed the accused’s defence that he had been in a sexual relationship with his grandmother since his primary school years and that the encounter was consensual. He further alleged that the victim only reported the matter after he failed to buy her a blanket, a claim the court found not credible.

Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa told the court that the incident occurred on 16 January 2024 at around 11 PM at the complainant’s homestead in Chief Mazungunye’s area. The court heard that 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 attempted to open the door, she noticed he had partially covered his face with a cloth. As she tried to close the door, he forced his way inside.

“He overpowered her and raped her once,” the prosecutor said.

During the struggle, the cloth covering his face fell off, enabling the complainant to positively identify her attacker.

The victim attempted to scream for help, alerting neighbours who rushed to the homestead. However, the accused had already fled the scene. A police report was subsequently filed, leading to his arrest and prosecution. A neighbour who responded to the scene said the incident left residents shaken.

“We heard her crying for help and rushed over, but he had already escaped. This is something we never expected in our community,” the neighbour said.

The case has reignited concern over sexual violence in Zimbabwe, particularly against vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Gender rights advocate Rumbidzai Chikore said the severity of the sentence sends a strong message.

“Crimes of this nature are deeply disturbing and require firm punishment. It is important that survivors, especially elderly victims, receive justice and support,” she said.

The 15-year custodial sentence underscores the judiciary’s stance on sexual offences, particularly those involving abuse of trust and extreme vulnerability. Authorities continue to urge communities to report cases of abuse and to support victims in seeking justice.

Bikita rape case