Mphoko jailed 20 years for rape

By a Correspondent
Former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s son, Siqokoqela, has been jailed 20 years after he was found guilty of raping his 12-year-old niece.
Mphoko was accused of raping, on three occasions, the minor who had been left in his care.
Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Elijah Singano convicted Mphoko of three counts of rape.
He said each count carries a ten-year prison sentence but sentenced Mphoko to an effective 20 years in prison after his defense lawyers pleaded with the court to treat all three counts as one.
He said by accenting the plea, he could not further reduce the 20-year sentence.
“The court has to act in the best interest of the child. Many of the victim’s constitutional rights have been violated such as the right to privacy, good health, education, and dignity, I could go on and on. All these have long-lasting effects on the minor,” said Singano.
“Lawfully each count of rape is equal to 10 years in prison and sentencing the accused 30 years for each count will be harsh considering that it is the same victim and in a short time. The court is inclined to impose 20 years of imprisonment for all three counts and unfortunately, the court cannot further suspend this sentence as it will be taken for belittling this serious crime.”
Allegations against Mphoko are that sometime between May and August 2022, Mphoko raped his niece three times.
He was arrested on 30 August 2022 and taken to Hillside Police Station.
Before his sentencing, Mphoko was on $50 000 bail.