Thandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A 71-YEAR-OLD man from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo who raped his neighbour’s granddaughter and gave her R2 to buy her silence was yesterday sentenced to 10 years in jail.
Passing sentence after convicting Moka Maphosa, senior regional magistrate, Trynos Utahwashe said old age had saved him from a lengthy sentence.
“Accused is a first offender aged 71 and his age is a mitigatory factor. However, he has been convicted of a serious crime which calls for a custodial sentence. He is therefore sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” said magistrate Utahwashe.
Maphosa will, however, serve an effective seven years after the magistrate suspended three years on condition of good behaviour.
In his defence, Maphosa denied the rape charge levelled against him and said the girl had approached him looking for money.
“I did not rape her as she was the one who approached me looking for money. I then let her into my room and gave her some money,” said Maphosa who stays at Burombo Flats.
The girl’s grandmother said she got wind of the offence from her other neighbour who said the girl was seen leaving Maphosa’s room.
“I then summoned Maphosa to my house and questioned him. He admitted that he had sex with my granddaughter and when I told him I was calling the police, he asked for the toilet and fled,” said the woman.
“I tracked Maphosa till I found him at MaDlodlo where he was drinking beer with his friends. I then got hold of him and went to the police station where I made a report.”
Prosecuting, Robin Mukura said on February 3 at around 5PM, the girl opened the door of her home intending to collect her young sister from outside.
While she was in the corridor, Maphosa who was seated at the door of his house, grabbed the girl by both hands and dragged her into his house before closing the door behind them.
Maphosa threw the girl onto his bed and undressed her. He raped her once without protection.
Afterwards, he released the girl and instructed her to put on her clothes and go back home.
Maphosa threatened the girl with death if she told anyone and gave her R2.