Odzi Man Jailed 17 Years After Attempted Rape Of 15-Year-Old Relative

The Mutare Regional Magistrates’ Court has delivered a stern warning to sexual offenders after sentencing a 34-year-old man from Mutizha Village, Odzi, to an effective 17 years in prison.

The conviction follows a harrowing incident involving the attempted rape of his 15-year-old relative in December 2025.

The court heard that the ordeal began while the young complainant was visiting her rural home. The offender initially made romantic advances to the teenager, which she firmly rejected.

Undeterred by the refusal, the offender orchestrated a plan to isolate the victim.

On December 9, 2025, he approached the girl’s grandmother, claiming he wished to gift the teenager a cellphone as a “gesture of goodwill.”

Despite the victim’s initial hesitation, her grandmother, believing the offender’s false pretences, persuaded her to accompany him to his residence to collect the device.

Upon arrival at the house, the situation turned violent. The offender forcibly pushed the girl onto a mattress and attempted to rape her.

The victim fought back and bit the offender, a move that successfully forced him to abandon his assault.

The crime came to light after the victim returned to Mutare and disclosed the assault to her mother.

A report was subsequently lodged at the Sakubva Police Station, leading to the man’s arrest.

The presiding magistrate sentenced the offender to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Three years of the sentence were suspended on the condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective 17-year term behind bars.

Following the sentencing, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) issued a reminder to the public regarding the safety of minors.

“The NPAZ reminds guardians and parents to remain vigilant and protective of children,” the bulletin reads in part. “Offenders often use manipulation and false promises to gain access to vulnerable victims within their own social circles.”