VICTORIA FALLS – A 62-year-old man from Hwange appeared before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on Tuesday, facing a grave charge of raping his 12-year-old granddaughter, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community.
The accused, whose identity is withheld by law to protect the minor victim, resides in Breakfast Village 2, Matetsi. He stood before Magistrate Tafara Machaya, with Prosecutor Mr. Douglas Ntini presenting the state’s case.
Detailed Account of the Alleged Assault
The prosecution outlined that on an unspecified date in 2024, around 11 a.m., the incident occurred at the man’s homestead. The court heard that the young victim was in her grandfather’s bedroom, seated on a sofa and watching videos, when he approached her.
“The accused person told the complainant, who is his granddaughter, a female juvenile aged 12 years, that he loved her,” stated Prosecutor Ntini. “He then pulled her by her arm and told her not to scream or else he was going to beat her.”
It is alleged that the man then forcibly removed the girl’s trousers and underwear, laid her on the bed, and proceeded to have unprotected sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Following the act, the accused allegedly wiped the victim and let her go.
A Silenced Victim and a Community Tip-Off
The prosecutor revealed that the traumatized child did not immediately report the incident to anyone, living in fear of the accused’s threats. The case remained hidden for nearly a year until it was brought to light through a community tip-off.
According to a police source, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at Jambezi Station received anonymous information about the assault on November 22, 2024 (corrected from the original 2025, as the case would logically be in 2024). This triggered an immediate investigation, leading to the swift arrest of the grandfather.
Strengthening the State’s Case
Mr. Ntini informed the court that the state’s evidence is robust, anchored on a positive identification by the complainant, who is prepared to testify against her grandfather. Crucially, the prosecution has also obtained a medical report which, they allege, provides physical evidence confirming that sexual penetration occurred.
Legal Proceedings and Remand
Given the serious nature of the offence, which involves a minor and a breach of trust within a family, Magistrate Tafara Machaya remanded the accused in custody. He is scheduled to reappear in court on December 10, 2024.
Due to the gravity of the charge, Magistrate Machaya advised the accused that any application for bail must be made at the High Court, a common procedure in Zimbabwe for severe crimes like rape to ensure a thorough review before a suspect is released.
