By Desire Tshuma
PLUMTREE – A 19-year-old man was on Monday sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Plumtree Regional Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old Grade 7 pupil, in a case that has renewed concern over rising sexual violence in the border town.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident occurred on 2 March 2026 at around 1600 hours. Court records show the offender intercepted the victim as she was walking home from school.
Prosecutors said he grabbed the girl, strangled her, and dragged her into a nearby bush where he held her overnight and repeatedly raped her. He released her the following morning.
The girl told her mother what had happened, and a police report was made that led to the arrest and conviction of the accused.
In passing sentence, the magistrate noted the gravity of the offence and its long-term effects on the child.
The NPAZ said in a statement: “Rape is a serious crime that has long-lasting consequences for victims. The NPAZ will continue to ensure that perpetrators of rape and all sexual offences are prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.”
Local child protection groups say cases of rape and sexual assault reported in Plumtree have been climbing over the past two years. Advocates attribute the increase to a mix of poverty, cross-border movement, alcohol abuse, and children walking long distances to and from school with limited adult supervision.
“The numbers we are seeing in Plumtree are worrying. Most of the victims are school-going children,” said a representative of a local child protection organisation who asked not to be named. “We need more community awareness, safe routes to school, and faster justice for survivors.”
The NPAZ has urged communities to report abuse immediately and not to settle cases outside the courts. It is using the hashtags #SayNoToRape and #ProtectOurChildren in its public awareness campaign.
Police in Plumtree said they are working with schools, traditional leaders, and NGOs to run education programs on child protection and to encourage victims to come forward.
Zimbabwe Republic Police is urging the public to report sexual violence cases. “You can report to the nearest police station or child protection services. Support services are available”