Epworth Man Jailed 6 Years For Attempted Rape Of 15-Year-Old ‘Girlfriend’

A 33-year-old man was sentenced to an effective 6 years of imprisonment by the Epworth Magistrates’ Court for attempted rape.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, on the 2nd of October, the offender and the complainant (15) who are “boyfriend and girlfriend” met at the complainant’s home.

The offender asked the complainant to accompany him to his house. When they arrived, the complainant remained in the vehicle because she was afraid of the dogs. Despite the offender’s reassurances, she felt uncomfortable and chose not to disembark, fearing potential harm from the animals.

The offender asked the complainant to have sexual intercourse with him, but she refused. Despite her clear refusal, he proceeded to kiss her and inappropriately touch her by fondling her breasts and buttocks without her consent. This unwanted and non-consensual behavior left the complainant feeling violated and distressed.

He also attempted to forcibly remove her skirt, but she bit him, causing him to stop. After this incident, the offender drove the complainant back to her house. The matter came to light when the complainant narrated her ordeal to her brother, who then took appropriate action to report the incident.

A police report was filed, which led to the arrest of the offender. In court, he was initially sentenced to 8 years of imprisonment; however, 2 years of the sentence were suspended for a period of 5 years, provided he does not commit another offense during that time.