66-year-old Mutasa man jailed 17 years for attempted rape of 9-year-old

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned all forms of sexual violence—particularly acts committed against vulnerable children—warning that perpetrators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The warning follows the sentencing of a 66-year-old man from Mutasa to an effective 17-year prison term by the Mutare Regional Magistrates’ Court for attempting to rape a nine-year-old girl.

The court heard that on 29 September 2026, at around 1 PM, the young girl was walking home from school when the convict approached her. He handed her a packet of biscuits and instructed her to share them with others at home. Shortly afterwards, he grabbed her hand and forcibly dragged her behind a hedge at a nearby homestead.

The assailant pushed the child to the ground and declared his intention to have sexual intercourse with her, claiming she owed him because he had given her biscuits. When the frightened victim began to cry, he choked her by the throat in an effort to silence her.

The assault was cut short when two alert passers-by spotted the man choking the young victim. Upon realising he had been seen, the attacker released the girl’s throat and attempted to pull his trousers back on.

When questioned by locals at the scene, the girl disclosed the attempted rape. Gathering villagers then escorted the child home to her mother, who lodged a report with the police, leading to the man’s immediate arrest and subsequent conviction.