By A Correspondent

A 61-year-old self-employed man from Upper Rangemore, Bulawayo, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Bulawayo Magistrates Court for the rape of his mentally incapacitated stepdaughter.

The sentence was handed down after the accused was found guilty of the crime which took place on November 21, 2024.

According to the details presented in court, the accused unlawfully had sexual intercourse with his 24-year-old stepdaughter, who is legally incapable of giving consent due to her mental condition.

The incident occurred at the family home at approximately 3:00 PM.

The court heard that the accused, who is the stepfather of the complainant, assaulted her while she was asleep.

He covered her mouth and nose to restrain her, before proceeding with the assault.

The victim, unable to resist due to her mental condition, later disclosed the incident to a family member, leading to investigations.