Hurungwe Man Sentenced for Raping Daughter

Everisto Zhuwao

​The Karoi Regional Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 51 year old Hurungwe farmer to an effective 35 years in prison for repeatedly raping his 12 year old daughter.

The man, a resident of Tengwe, was convicted on four counts of rape after a trial that exposed a harrowing pattern of abuse and intimidation within the family home.

​The court heard that the sexual assaults occurred between late 2024 and early 2025.

In a disturbing defense, the offender claimed his actions were culturally and spiritually necessary. When the young girl resisted, he beat her with a stick, chased her from the house to sleep in nearby hills, and threatened her with death.

He further silenced the victim by warning that speaking out would bring shame to the entire family.

​The abuse was finally uncovered when the victim’s cousin, who was also being targeted by the man, reported the matter to school teachers.

These teachers alerted the authorities, leading to the man’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) praised the courage of the young witnesses and the vigilance of the school staff for intervening in the dangerous situation.

​The Magistrate initially handed down a total sentence of 45 years across the four counts. However, 10 years were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior, leaving the offender to serve 35 years behind bars.

In a closing statement, the NPAZ emphasized that the law would continue to apply maximum weight to protect children when parents transition from protectors to predators.