Anesushe Mamhute
CHIREDZI – A Zaka man was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 15-year-old juvenile who suffers from moderate psychiatric illness.
Jerry Chavani (28) of Chavani village under Chief Nhema in Zaka, appeared before Magistrate Judith Zuyu on charges of rape.
The State’s case, led by Moreblessing Rusere, was that the complainant (name withheld) had been send to Charamba by her uncle when she met Chavani close to Chiredzi River.
Chavani then followed the minor, grabbed hold of her hand, pushed her to the ground and raped her while threatening to kill her if she made noise.
The accused then took his victim to his own place where he spent the whole night with her.
In his defense, Chavani said he was in love with the juvenile and they were about to marry but the magistrate dismissed the defense outline saying the accused had taken advantage of the victim’s mental state to abuse her.local
