Johnson Progress.

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a 4-year-old girl in Mangwe. The Plumtree Regional Magistrates Court handed down the sentence after convicting the man, who is related to the victim.

According to reports, the incident occurred on March 4, 2025, while the child was walking home from school. The offender intercepted the child, took her to a secluded area by the river, and then raped her. The child later narrated the ordeal to her grandmother, leading to the arrest of the offender.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has welcomed the sentence, saying it serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders. The authority has also urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant and protective of their children, as child abuse can occur even within families.

“We urge all parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and attentive to the well-being of their children,” said the NPAZ. “Child abuse can occur anywhere, and it is our collective responsibility to prevent it.”

The sentence comes amid growing concerns about child abuse in Zimbabwe. In 2024, the government introduced a new law that raises the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, in a bid to protect children from sexual exploitation.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of children, and the importance of reporting any cases of child abuse to the authorities.