Beitbridge Man Jailed 15 Years for Raping Minor Cousin

A 25-year-old man from Chinavazyimi village in Beitbridge has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping his 15-year-old cousin by the Beitbridge magistrates court.

The court that the assault occurred on the 1st of January 2025, while the victim’s mother was away. The perpetrator took advantage of the mother’s absence, dragged the victim into a room and brandishing a knife to control her, and sexually assaulting her.

When her mother returned, the victim confided in her, and she promptly took her to Beitbridge District Hospital for medical attention, which subsequently led to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

The National Prosecuting Authority has issued a warning to parents and guardians to be vigilant when leaving children in the care of relatives, given the alarming rise in sexual offenses involving minors and family members.