Johnson Progress

A 26-year-old former private tutor has been sentenced to a lengthy 15-year prison term for aggravated indecent assault of her 10-year-old student.

The sentencing was handed down by the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court. The court found the tutor guilty on three distinct counts of aggravated indecent assault.

The offences took place over a two-month period between August and October 2025.

According to evidence presented during the trial, the geographical scope of the abuse was broad, with incidents occurring in the learner’s home in the upscale Borrowdale suburb of Harare, as well as in Gaborone, Botswana.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) detailed the harrowing pattern of abuse, revealing that the convicted woman systematically exploited her position of trust.

The court heard that during tutoring sessions, the offender would summon the young victim, instruct her to remove her clothes, and then sexually assault her by inserting her fingers into the child’s private parts.

To ensure the child’s silence, the tutor further compounded the trauma by issuing direct threats of violence, explicitly warning the victim against disclosing the abuse to anyone.

The horrific situation was ultimately uncovered not through a confession, but through a parent’s observant care.

The legal proceedings revealed that the victim’s mother first grew suspicious when she noticed her daughter was experiencing visible difficulty and apparent pain while walking.

This physical symptom prompted further investigation, which led to the disclosure of the assaults and the subsequent reporting of the crime to authorities.

In a statement following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority emphasized the court’s unwavering position on such crimes.

The NPA strongly affirmed the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach, stating, “The courts maintain a zero-tolerance policy against those who violate the sanctity and safety of children, especially in a position of trust like a tutor.”

The authority also highlighted the broader objective of such a severe sentence, pointing to its role as a deterrent.

The NPA further elaborated on their commitment to justice, adding, “We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of justice to deter such heinous crimes.”

The 15-year imprisonment sentence is seen as a direct reflection of this commitment, sending a clear message about the severe consequences for individuals who betray their trusted roles to prey on vulnerable children.