Man jailed 30 years after abducting & raping girl (15) sent to EcoCash shop

A 35-year-old man from Glendale will spend the next three decades in prison after the Bindura Regional Magistrates’ Court convicted him of raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl on three consecutive days in May.

The court handed down an effective 30-year sentence on three counts of rape, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Wednesday.

The man had pleaded not guilty, but the court found him guilty on all charges after what prosecutors described as “overwhelming evidence”.

The victim, a Form 1 pupil at a local school, was sent by her grandmother on the afternoon of 3 May to deposit money into an EcoCash account at shops in Glendale.

According to court papers, the man intercepted her on the way, asked her to follow him, and when she refused, grabbed her and forced her into his room on the pretext that she help him carry a cabbage. Inside, he raped her.

Prosecutors said he then held the girl captive. He raped her again on 4 May, locked her in the room, and sexually abused her a third time during the night of 5 May before releasing her the following morning.

A passerby found the teenager walking home, distressed and escorted her to her grandmother’s homestead.

After being questioned by family members, the girl disclosed what had happened. She was taken to Concession Hospital, where a medical examination confirmed sexual assault.

The State relied on the medical report, the victim’s testimony and corroborating witness statements. The court ruled the evidence proved the offences beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The law will always catch up with those who prey on the vulnerable members of our society. The courts will protect children and strip rapists of their freedom,” the NPA said.

The authority also commended the victim “for her courage” and praised community members who intervened and ensured the matter was reported to police. *_-NewZiana_*