Masvingo man jailed 20 years for raping stepdaughter

MASVINGO- A Masvingo man (35) who raped his nine-year-old mentally challenged stepdaughter has been sentenced to an effective 20 years in jail 

The man (name withheld) was sentenced by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Innocent Bepura on…

In passing judgment, Magistrate Bepura said there is overwhelming evidence including a medical report that concluded that the minor had been penetrated. 

Three witnesses; the victim, her sister and her mother gave evidence in court.

The convict was caught raping the minor by her sister and the convict alleged that the sister was setting her up after he rejected her romantic advances.

“The State proved its case beyond reasonable doubt as on such cases, the court weighs evidence and the issue of fabrication is closed,” said Bepura.

The incident happened on September 30, 2025, around 4pm.

Circumstances are that the complainant’s mother her alone at home. The convict arrived home, took advantage of the situation and led the minor to his bedroom. 

He raped the minor and the complainant’s sister arrived home and heard the minor crying. She opened the bedroom door and saw accused raping her sister.

The convict released the minor and ordered the older sister to bathe her. The big sister saw bloods stains on a blanket and on the minor’s thighs.

Complainant’s sister narrated the case to the complainant’s mother the following day. 

The matter was reported to the police leading to the accused’s person’s arrest.

The sister told the court that she didn’t immediately inform her mother because she didn’t know how she would respond or whether she knew about the rape.

Innocent Mudzingwa prosecuted.