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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A MAN from Plumtree was yesterday sentenced to 15 years in jail for raping his 13-year-old niece four times after breaking into her bedroom while she was asleep.

Mpumelelo Moyo, 18, of Ndutshwa village was convicted on his own plea of guilty to rape by Bulawayo regional magistrate Crispen Mberewere.

Moyo will serve an effective 12 years in prison after three years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.

In passing sentence, Mberewere said Moyo’s conduct was deplorable.

“You actually raped your own niece instead of protecting her. Your conduct is deplorable and shameful. The courts have a duty to protect the girl child from people like you. People who prey on innocent children should be removed from society for a lengthy period and accordingly you’re sentenced to 15 years in jail,” ruled Mberewere.

Prosecuting, Paida Zengeni said on April 26 this year shortly after 8PM, the complainant retired to bed.

The court heard that the following morning at about 2AM, Moyo tiptoed to his niece’s room and tried to open the door but it was locked.

He then forced the window open to gain entry.

“While inside the room, Moyo woke up the complainant from her blankets before he grabbed the girl by the neck and pinned her down. He went on to rape her four times,” said Zengeni.

Soon after committing the crime, Moyo threatened to assault the victim if she reported the matter to anyone before he unlocked the door and left the room.

The court heard that the complainant informed her grandfather who confronted Moyo in his room before a report was made to the police.