Harare — A HARARE man has been jailed 17 years effective for raping his seven-year-old stepdaughter.
Johannes Muchena pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape when he appeared before regional magistrate Mr Peter Kumbawa, but was convicted after a fully contested trial because of overwhelming evidence.
Mr Kumbawa sentenced him to 25 years in jail on both counts before suspending eight years on condition of good behaviour.
In passing sentence, the magistrate said the State led by Mrs Edith Kakuruwo had proved a prima facie case against Muchena.
He said the evidence given by witnesses was consistent and Muchena had failed to cross-examine them.
Mr Kumbawa said the witnesses were young and could not fabricate allegations.
"The accused (Muchena) was avoiding questions . . . and was caught during the act," he said.
He also said Muchena's moral blameworthiness was very high considering the relationship that existed between himself and the victim. -- HR.
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It's good to see our Judges in our country do not take this kind of thing lightly. This step father is so disgusting for what he did. 17 years minimum is a good sentence for him and if he makes it out , he had better of learnt his lesson. Hope he has hard labour as well. better still castrate him.