BULAWAYO — A 42-year-old man from Gwanda has been sentenced to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of raping his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter, a crime that was reported to police several days after it occurred.
The Gwanda Regional Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence on February 2, 2026 for an offence committed in Esigodini in December 2025.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the conviction and outlined circumstances indicating that the offence was initially concealed.
Court proceedings revealed that the incident occurred after the child’s mother left the accused alone with the minor while she slept in a bedroom.
According to the NPAZ statement, “Upon returning an hour later, she saw the offender naked with the victim.”
After being confronted, the offender attempted to dissuade the mother from reporting the matter.
The prosecution stated that he apologised and promised to buy her a bed in an effort to secure her silence, leading to the temporary concealment of the crime.
The assault was only reported to police on December 24, 2025 after the mother discovered that the offender was involved in a romantic relationship with another woman, the NPAZ said.
This prompted a police investigation, resulting in the offender’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
In a statement following the sentencing, the NPAZ reiterated its position that sexual offences against minors would be pursued vigorously and urged communities to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse.
The authority did not indicate whether the child’s mother would face charges related to her initial failure to report the offence.
The child is currently receiving specialist support services.
