Dumisani Ndlovu
GWERU — A 21-year-old man from Somambhula was jailed 17 years for raping a 14-year-old girl on Valentine’s Day.
Bright Moyo, who pleaded not guilty to the rape charge, was however convicted as charged by Gweru regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure.
Moyo was convicted of one count of rape as defined in section 65 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 following a full trial.
In delivering sentence, Magistrate Maturure said: “Rape is a serious crime. You have ruined the little girl emotionally and psychologically. It is the court’s duty to protect children from offenders like you. Those in the community should learn from you, therefore I sentence you to 17 years in prison.”
The Regional Magistrate, Maturure suspended one year on condition that Moyo does not commit any sexual offence for a period of five years. Moyo will serve an effective 16 years in prison.
Prosecutor Aggrina Matutu said: “The accused’s unacceptable actions not only exposed the minor to the risk of sexually transmitted infection, but also had a profound and enduring impact on the complainant’s mental well-being.”
It was the State’s case that on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) around 7.45pm, the minor was on her way to her aunt’s place when Moyo dragged her to a nearby stationary trailer where he raped her once.
The matter came to light after the girl’s mother searched for the complainant since it was dark. She then found the two at the scene.
The girl and her mother reported the matter at Gweru Rural Police Station, leading to Moyo’s arrest.
