A DISABLED man from Nkayi, who raped his orphaned 17-year-old niece to “cleanse” himself of bad luck, was yesterday sentenced to 18 years in jail.

Wilberforce Ndlovu, 40, of Jamu village in Sobunyonyo will serve an effective 15 years in jail after Bulawayo regional magistrate Trynos Utawashe suspended three years for five years, on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.

Utawashe, in his judgment, expressed concern over an increase in the number of cases of child sexual abuse.

“You sexually abused your own niece who is an orphan instead of protecting her. You should be ashamed of your actions. Cases of rape are on the increase and in most instances close relative are the perpetrators,” said the magistrate.

The magistrate said some of the cases of child abuse went undetected as some of the sex offenders are in the habit of threatening their victims if they report their abuse.

Utawashe said Ndlovu deserved a lengthy prison term as punishment for his conduct.

“Punishment must achieve deterrence so that like minded people should think twice before committing rape.  Such people must be removed from society for a lengthy period,” ruled the magistrate.

Prosecuting, Robin Mukura said on October 5 last year at about 7AM, Ndlovu asked his niece to fetch water and she complied.

The court heard that later on Ndlovu asked the victim to sweep his bedroom. When the girl went inside the room, Ndlovu followed her, closed and locked the door before demanding sex from her.

“Ndlovu blamed the victim for his bad luck and demanded sex to cleanse himself,” said Mukura.

Ndlovu who was carrying his crutches and a stick, ordered his niece to remove her clothes and out of fear she complied.

He raped the girl after which he promised her that she would inherit his cattle when he dies.

The court heard that soon after her release, the victim reported the matter to her grandmother.

A report was made to the police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.

The victim was taken to hospital for examination and a medical report which was compiled proved that there was penetration.