Sharon Chikowore
CHINHOYI — In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing his four-year-old stepdaughter.
Lovemore Kondo, of Plot 2 Doonside Farm, Mutorashanga, appeared before Chinhoyi Regional Magistrate Amos Mbobo, facing charges of rape as defined in Section 65(1)(a) as read with Section 64 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Mbobo found Kondo guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
State prosecutor Jeffrey Makoni told the court that on an unknown date in December 2025, the minor was in a room sleeping with her mother and Kondo.
The court heard that Kondo was sleeping between the minor and her mother. During the night, he woke up and told the juvenile that he wanted to put his finger in her private parts, instructing her not to cry.
He is said to have removed his pants, put them in his bag, and then ordered the girl to lie on her back.
He abused the juvenile. When she tried to cry, he covered her mouth with his other hand. Afterwards, the two fell asleep.
The following morning, the child told her mother, who dismissed the incident and continued as if nothing had happened.
The matter came to light when the minor was brought to her grandmother, and the juvenile informed her that her genitals were itching and had sores.
She was taken to Mutorashanga Clinic, where it was established that the minor had been abused.
A report was made at Mutorashanga Police Base, and she was further referred to Banket District Hospital for medical examination, leading to Kondo’s arrest.
