By Tinotenda Hove

NYANGA – A 23-year-old man has been convicted and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years, for sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman with a hearing and speech impairment.

The offence occurred on the night of October 19, 2024, at a residence in Nyanga, where both the complainant and the accused lived, although they were not related.

According to evidence presented in court, the accused entered the complainant’s room during the night and committed the offence. The following morning, another resident noticed that the complainant was distressed. Using sign language, the complainant disclosed the incident.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.

In delivering the sentence, the court considered the complainant’s vulnerability and the seriousness of the offence. Three years of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that the accused does not commit a similar offence during that period.