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Fungai Jachi Court Correspondent
A 23-YEAR-OLD man who raped and impregnated his mentally ill neighbour has been jailed for an effective 12 years. Harare magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya sentenced Simbai Bwanali to 15 years behind bars before suspending three years. In passing sentence, Mr Mujaya said Bwanali deserved a harsh punishment as he had taken advantage of the deranged woman. He noted that rape cases were prevalent and deserved a deterrent sentence. Facts are that Bwanali, a farm labourer, lured the woman into his bedroom and raped her on several occasions. The matter came to light when the woman fell pregnant.

The victim told her relatives Bwanali was responsible for her pregancy and told how she was raped on several occasions by Bwanali. The woman was taken to a medical doctor who confirmed that she was mentally ill. A report was made to the police leading to Bwanali’s arrest. Mr Ephraim Zinyandu prosecuted.