Story by Peter Chivhima
REPORTS of children being raped after being left in the care of relatives or trusted individuals are on the increase, with parents being implored to be vigilant.
A series of alarming child rape cases this week has brought attention to the vulnerability of children when left in the care of relatives or trusted individuals, stressing the importance of vigilance on the part of parents.
Anthony Hove, a 21-year-old man from Chiungwani village in Mberengwa, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old girl. What is disturbing is that the victim and the perpetrator are relatives.
According to reports, the convict had asked the victim for water before committing the heinous crime.
On Thursday, an 18-year-old from Chegutu was caged 15 years after being convicted of raping a nine year old who had been left in his custody.
It is the state’s case that in April this year, the convict was left in custody of the victim together with her two younger siblings when he raped her.
In another case, a 19-year-old man from Kuse village in Mberengwa was on Monday imprisoned for two years for raping a 14-year-old.
Elsewhere, a 21-year-old man from Tsholotsho will spend more than a year behind bars for impregnating a 14-year-old.
