A Rusape court has sentenced a 30-year-old Nyazura man to 20 years in prison for raping his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the man worked as a security guard and used his workplace to lure the girl before attacking her.
According to the NPAZ, the man left home for work on an unknown date in January 2025 and later called a neighbour.
He instructed the neighbour to tell the girl to bring him cash at his workplace.
The Court heard that when the girl arrived at the guard room, the man kept her there until it was dark.
“Under the cover of darkness, the offender ordered the victim to undress, threatening to kill her if she did not comply,” the NPAZ said.
Prosecutors said the man raped the girl and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
The authority said he later raped her several times in his bedroom and in nearby woods.
The abuse came to light after the girl’s mother suspected she was pregnant and questioned her.
She then disclosed the abuse, and the family reported the matter to the police.
The case adds to growing concern over child sexual abuse by people known to children, including relatives, neighbours and trusted adults.
Experts said children delay reporting abuse because offenders threaten them, manipulate them or make them fear blame and disbelief.
The NPAZ urged families and communities to remain alert to signs of abuse and to report rape.
“Most rape cases involving minors are perpetrated by persons known to the victim,” the authority said.
The NPAZ also urged members of the public to “always be on the lookout for any signs of abuse” and to take care when choosing people to look after children.
