Zhombe man jailed for raping mentally challenged woman, girl

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has called for the protection of vulnerable individuals and to ensure that justice is served for victims of sexual assault. This call to action follows two cases of sexual assault that involved a mentally challenged victim and a 12-year-old girl.

In the first case heard at the Kwekwe Magistrates Court, a 40-year-old man from Zhombe was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting a mentally challenged woman. 

This incident occurred on May 29, when the offender followed the 24-year-old mentally challenged woman to a borehole, dragged her off the road, and raped her under a tree. A passerby caught him in the act and reported the incident to the police, which led to his arrest.

In a different case, a 30-year-old man was also sentenced to 15 years in prison at the Kwekwe Magistrates Court for raping his girlfriend's 12-year-old child. The offender took advantage of the mother's absence for a short time and dragged the victim into the house where he sexually assaulted her. 

He was caught in the act by the girl’s mother, and the incident was reported to the police, resulting in his arrest. However, in both cases, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe urged the public to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that justice is served.

 "These cases highlight the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure that justice is served to the survivors of sexual assault. It is also a reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilance and swift action to protect our most vulnerable," said the National Prosecuting Authority Statement, read