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Two rounds of Lula Lula in the bedroom and kitchen lead to Dzivarasekwa's maid being sentenced to 15 years in prison

A court in Harare has sentenced 22-year-old domestic worker Rutendo Banda to 15 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of the 8-year-old son of her employer's landlord.

The verdict handed down by Harare Regional Judge Esthere Chivasa sends a strong signal of the gravity of Lula Lula's abuses and the need for justice for the victims.

Banda, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was found guilty of two counts of serious sexual assault following a regular trialThe State, led by Ms. Abigail Chido Gohori, presented compelling evidence that proved Banda’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In her judgment, Ms Chivasa emphasised the seriousness of the offence, stating that aggravated sexual assault essentially amounts to rape.

“The crime was committed under aggravated circumstances. It is impossible for a person convicted of rape or aggravated sexual assault to receive a sentence of less than five years,” she said, stressing that Banda had raped the boy.

The judge also expressed concern about the possibility of further harm, stating that “it is possible that the same thing could have been done to other children.”

She also stressed that in such cases there is a risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and that there is a need for strong deterrents against such acts.

The court heard that the assault took place in March as the toddler was playing outside the house. Banda lured him into her bedroom and assaulted him. She then went into the kitchen, had a second round with him and warned the teenager not to tell anyone about the incidents.

However, the victim confided in his mother on August 19 while Banda was washing dishes. The mother overheard her son telling Banda about the abuse and intervened, taking him to ZRP Dzivaresekwa to file a complaint, which led to Banda's arrest.

Judge Chivasa rejected the option of community service as a punishment, considering it a travesty of justice in this case. She ruled that Banda must serve 15 years in prison for each count, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

The verdict sends a clear signal that such acts will not be tolerated and that the courts will deal harshly with perpetrators, regardless of their origin or social status.







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