Bulawayo man jailed 15 years for raping cousin in a car

Southerton Business Times
2 hours ago
2 min read

A 25-year-old man from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 22-year-old cousin in a parked vehicle. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the survivor’s identity, was found guilty by regional magistrate Shingai Mutiro, who described rape as a grave offence warranting a custodial sentence.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Mutiro noted that the crime involved aggravating circumstances, including the use of force, and resulted in physical injuries to the victim.

“The offence is serious and calls for a deterrent sentence,” the magistrate said, adding that sexual relations between close relatives are prohibited under Zimbabwean law.

The court heard that the victim sustained bruises to her hand and back during the attack.

Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that the incident occurred around 11 pm on March 12 in the Thorngrove suburb. The accused allegedly jumped over the perimeter wall at the complainant’s home and knocked on her bedroom window, claiming he needed assistance with a vehicle fault.

“The accused identified himself and asked the complainant to assist him with attending to his motor vehicle,” Mugari said.

Believing the request to be genuine, the complainant unlocked the gate and accompanied him.

The court heard that the accused drove with the complainant into town, briefly stopping at a nightclub before returning toward Thorngrove. Upon reaching Humbly Road, he allegedly locked the vehicle doors, moved to the back seat, and began making advances. He reportedly told the complainant he had long been attracted to her before forcibly restraining her. A struggle ensued, during which the complainant was overpowered. The accused then raped her once without protection. The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest. The complainant was taken for a medical examination, and the report was presented in court as evidence.

Gender-based violence activists say the case highlights the risks posed by perpetrators known to victims.