Predator uncle jailed 15 years for raping niece and her friend

A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after raping his niece’s 14-year-old friend and later turning on his own 15-year-old niece, whom he impregnated before forcing her to take abortion pills.

The man, from Pumula South, cannot be named to protect the identities of the victims. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape but was convicted by Western Commonage regional magistrate Mrs Sibongile Marondedze. He received 15 years for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Prosecuting, Mr Milton Moyo told the court that in June this year, the accused lured his niece’s 14-year-old friend into his house under the pretence of taking her to visit her friend. Once inside, he asked the girl to fetch her books from the storeroom, followed her in and raped her — threatening to kill her if she spoke out.

On July 6, the man struck again, this time targeting his niece. Taking advantage of his wife’s absence, he crept into the 15-year-old’s blankets and raped her while she slept. He repeated the offence the following night, again threatening her with death if she reported him.

Weeks later, the niece fell ill and revealed she was pregnant. The accused then bought abortion pills, which caused her to bleed heavily. She was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital, where doctors confirmed a terminated pregnancy.

The abuse came to light after the niece’s ordeal was reported to the police. Her friend, emboldened by the case, also disclosed that she had been raped by the accused.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old Bulawayo man has appeared in court for allegedly indecently assaulting and strangling a woman after she rejected his romantic advances.

Nyasha Denzel Makanhiwa of Cowdray Park suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga, facing a charge of indecent assault. He was remanded in custody to Monday.

Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the incident occurred on August 6 at around 3.30PM. “On that day, the accused went to the complainant’s home and confronted her, demanding to know why she had turned down his love proposal,” said Mr Dzimbanhete.

Makanhiwa allegedly fondled the complainant’s breast before grabbing her neck and strangling her. She sustained neck injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

A police report was filed, leading to accused’s arrest. Chronicle