A 34-year-old Beitbridge man has been sentenced to an effective 18 years in prison for repeatedly raping his 14-year-old niece for more than two years.
The Beitbridge Magistrates' Court handed down the sentence this week following the man’s conviction on multiple counts of rape.
The court heard that in March 2024, the offender lured the victim under the pretext of accompanying him to a local tuck-shop. He fondled her breasts and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.
Later that same month, he sent the girl to his home to collect a radio set. He followed her inside and raped her once before again threatening her life.
Prosecutors told the court that over subsequent months, the man continued to lure the victim to his house under the guise of offering her casual labour.
Each time he raped her he restricted her movements, fearing she would disclose the abuse to relatives.
The abuse only came to light in May this year after she fell pregnant and got fired by her employer.
She sought help from a village health worker who advised her to report the matter to police, leading to the perpetrator's arrest.
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