Outcry as Teen Rapist Gets 'Holy Suspendence' for Repeatedly Raping 10-Year-Old Sister

By Delight Dzangare

A Mutare family is reeling from a court judgment they describe as a profound injustice after a 17-year-old boy was given a suspended sentence for the repeated rape of his 10-year-old stepsister, despite overwhelming medical evidence and a guilty verdict.

The case, which came to light in Hobhouse, Mutare, involves Prince Chadazembe, aged 17, who was found guilty of raping his younger sister. The assaults, which began as early as July 2025, culminated in a brutal attack on the night of September 16, 2025.

The matter came to light when the victim's mother, Grace Tsurei, was woken at around 3 a.m. by her daughter's cries. She found the child in distress and her clothing stained with blood. "We thought it was the first time, since our daughter failed to explain clearly what had happened prior to us as parents," Tsurei recounted. However, a subsequent medical examination revealed a more harrowing truth.

"Doctors tested the girl and it was revealed that the child was raped several times," Tsurei stated. Further questioning of the child uncovered that the perpetrator had been threatening her, instilling fear by promising to beat her if she reported the assaults.

Armed with a medical report, the family reported the case to Chikanga Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused. The matter proceeded to the Mutare Magistrate Court, where the teenager was found guilty of rape.

However, the final judgment has left the family in shock and disbelief. Instead of a custodial sentence, the court handed the convicted rapist a five-year suspended sentence, cautioning him, "usazozviita mufana zvawakaita zvakashata" (Do not do it again, boy, what you did was bad).

"For me, it's unfair," said a distraught Tsurei. "I thought I had misheard and I asked again, and they said that was the judgment. What disturbs me up to now is the proof is there and the evidence is there."

Following the court's advice, the minor has been taken in by social welfare for counselling and medical care, as she is currently suffering from stomach pains. The family's plea is for the judicial system to revisit the case. "My wish is that the courts should revisit this issue," Grace Tsurei implored, "because to me, it seems there is no fairness in the judgement."