By Fanuel Chinowaita
An 18-year-old schoolboy has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for raping his own three-year-old biological sister in a disturbing case of child sexual abuse that occurred at their family home in Mberengwa.
The teenager, from Shange Village under Chief Chitsungo in Mberengwa, was sentenced by the Guruve Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping the toddler.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred in October 2026 when the accused returned home from school and found his three-year-old sister playing with other siblings at their homestead.
He allegedly called the toddler into his bedroom, where he removed her clothes and raped her.
The child later reported the incident to another brother, who alerted their mother. The mother subsequently accompanied the young victim to ZRP Mushumbi, where a police report was filed.
The court sentenced the teenager to 20 years in prison, with five years suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective 15 years behind bars.
In its statement issued on 12 November 2026, the NPAZ strongly condemned the abuse, particularly when perpetrated by people expected to protect children.
“The NPAZ strongly condemns sexual abuse and exploitation of children, particularly by individuals entrusted with their care and protection,” the authority said.
It added: “Children are entitled to safety and protection within their homes and communities.”
The NPAZ urged parents and guardians to remain alert and report suspected cases of child sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities.
“The Authority urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to the police,” it said.