Evans Zhou
GWERU, Zimbabwe — The Gweru Regional Court on Thursday sentenced a 25-year-old Chirumhanzu man to 16 years’ imprisonment for aggravated indecent assault of a 7-year-old boy.
The Court heard that the attack happened around 2 p.m. on August 14 in Chirumhanzu.
The child had been sent to the offender’s homestead to collect vegetables.
Once inside, the man overpowered the boy and sexually assaulted him, then threatened him to keep quiet.
“The child later disclosed the abuse to his grandmother, leading to the man’s arrest and conviction,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.
Zimbabwean law criminalises the sexual abuse of minors and considers offences involving children as aggravating circumstances.
Unfortunately, these cases continue to escalate regardless of sentences being handed down by the judiciary.
In 2018, a Manicaland court jailed a 37-year-old man for 25 years for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old schoolboy.
The following year, a Shurugwi man received 30 years for multiple rapes of a minor.
Last year, a Harare man was jailed for 25 years for breaking into homes and raping two minors.
“Parents and guardians should avoid sending young children alone to other people’s homes—even those of neighbours or acquaintances—and should accompany them, when possible,” said social worker Lisa Samupita William.
Survivors and witnesses can report at any police station or seek help through established helplines, including Childline’s toll-free 116.
