By Tendai Makaripe
KARIBA, Zimbabwe — A 62-year-old general worker was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison for the rape of a 4-year-old girl, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said in a statement.
Frank Chavausipo, who worked at Kent Farm in Kariba, was convicted by the Kariba Magistrates’ Court.
The crime was reported in October last year when an informant discovered Chavausipo and the child asleep inside a public bathroom at the farm.
The informant raised an alarm and summoned a neighbour to witness the scene before authorities were contacted.
“Chavausipo was immediately arrested after failing to provide a sensible account for his actions when questioned,” read the NPAZ statement in part.
The case is the latest in a series of recent prosecutions involving elderly defendants accused of assaulting minors.
Last month, a 67-year-old man from Mutare was sentenced to 20 years for sexually abusing his 9-year-old granddaughter.
In a separate case in Masvingo, a 58-year-old man is currently on trial for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old neighbour.
