Story by Samson Zituta
A 43-year-old landlady from Vumbachikwe Mine has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing her four-year-old tenant.
The Gwanda magistrates’ court found the woman guilty of one count of aggravated indecent assault following a full trial. She was initially sentenced to 20 years, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective 17-year custodial term.
The abuse came to light in late November 2025 after the child attempted to re-enact the assault with his seven-year-old brother at their family home.
According to court documents, the woman called the minor into her house and coerced him into performing a sexual act. The four-year-old later tried to imitate the same act with his older sibling.
“The children’s mother became suspicious after witnessing this behaviour and, together with a neighbour, questioned the young boy,” a statement presented in court read.
“It was during this conversation that the child disclosed the landlady had previously subjected him to similar abuse. The matter was immediately reported to the police, leading to the offender’s arrest.”
Medical examinations were conducted on the child, and the findings were submitted as evidence during the trial. The court heard that the woman exploited her position of trust as an adult and landlady to gain access to the victim.
