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Mutare: An H.I.V positive man was Wednesday caged 20 years by local magistrate courts after he was convicted of raping and threatening to kill a nine-year-old minor.
Brian Mutiro,25, of Binga 2, Chipendeke pleaded not guilty but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence presented before the courts.
Mutiro denied that he knew the minor but witnesses who testified revealed that he was close to the victim’s family.
Regional magistrate Loice Mukunyadzi said a lengthy custodial sentence was appropriate to deter would-be offenders.
She also took into consideration that rape cases involving minors in areas such as Chipinge and Chimanimani were on the surge due to some beliefs that “it can cure” HIV infection.
The magistrate said Mutiro was a heartless man who did not deserve leniency since he committed the offense knowing very well that he was HIV positive.
“These men seem not to be aware that women have their rights.
“They are misinformed that sleeping with a virgin will cure HIV. Society does not accept such kind of behavior,” she said.
Prosecutors told the court that on December 8, last year, around 1600hrs in Chipendeke, the minor met Mutiro as she was walking from school.
The minor is reported to have been walking towards her parents’ homestead.
The accused then asked her name but the minor did not reply.
Mutiro dragged the minor into a nearby bush and removed her uniform.
He reportedly stuffed her mouth with his hand so that she did not scream.
Mutiro raped the minor and she messed herself.
After committing the offense, Mutiro threatened to kill the minor if she divulged the matter to anyone.
Fearing for her life, the minor kept the matter to herself.
The matter came to light when her granny discovered her soiled uniform and interrogated her granddaughter.
The minor later spilled the beans and the matter was reported at Muromo police post.
The victim was taken to Mutare Provincial Hospital for examination and a medical report produced in the court indicated that there was a penetration.