Staff Reporter
CHINHOYI — A Mhangura artisanal miner has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for repeatedly raping his three minor daughters.
The 38-year-old nomadic gold panner from Arda Endeavour was convicted of three counts of rape when he appeared before the Chinhoyi Regional Court.
He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count, with 10 years of each sentence suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour, resulting in an effective 50-year custodial sentence.
The court heard that, between August 2025 and September 2026, the man repeatedly raped his daughters, aged 16, 12, and 10.
The two older girls were often asked to accompany him to a mining site, where he sexually abused them. The youngest was repeatedly raped while sharing a room, bed, and blanket with her father.
The court also heard that the accused threatened to kill the children if they disclosed the abuse.
The abuse came to light after the eldest daughter eloped to her boyfriend’s home. Her boyfriend’s mother took her to Makonde Christian Hospital, where she was admitted and disclosed the abuse to her own mother.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to an investigation and the arrest of the accused. All three victims were interviewed and gave accounts of the abuse.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe condemned all forms of sexual violence and abuse against children, particularly when committed by those entrusted with their care.
The NPAZ said such conduct was a grave betrayal of trust and reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence, while ensuring justice for vulnerable members of society.
