By Adley Munashe Mswathi
GWANDA, Zimbabwe — A regional magistrate in Gwanda has sentenced a 33-year-old Filabusi man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting two young sisters, a 3-year-old girl and a 7-month-old baby.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said prosecutors secured a conviction on two counts of sexual assault.
On each count, the magistrate imposed a 20-year prison sentence.
The sentences will run concurrently, leaving the man with an effective 20-year prison term.
According to the NPAZ, the assaults happened at around 11 a.m. on Feb. 24 in Chief Maduna’s area in Filabusi.
Prosecutors said the children’s mother left the girls at the family homestead while she went to work in nearby fields.
While working, she heard the baby crying and rushed back home to check on the children.
When she arrived, she found the offender at the scene with his clothes in disarray.
“The mother also noticed physical signs of sexual assault on the children,” read the NPAZ statement in part.
“She reported the matter to the police. Authorities later referred the children to Filabusi District Hospital for medical examination.”
The NPAZ said the justice system would continue to protect children and other vulnerable members of society from abuse.
Such cases have been on the rise in recent times.
Recently, A Mutare regional magistrate sentenced a 29-year-old Odzi man to 15 years in prison after convicting him of raping his 5-year-old neighbour.
In April, a 46-year-old Bulawayo man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of raping his six-year-old niece in Cowdray Park earlier this month.
“The justice system remains resolute in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children, from heinous predators,” the authority said.
Social commentator Joeline Matsika said: “Exploitation and abuse against infants and juveniles violate human dignity, and courts should continue to impose stiff prison sentences to ensure justice.”
She called for stronger community vigilance, faster reporting of abuse and better survivor support for children who suffer sexual violence.
