Update: Munyaradzi Kereke Sentenced 14 Years For Raping Niece

Mr Charles Warara, Private prosecutor  set a precedent in the history of Independent Zimbabwe yesterday when he successfully prosecuted the case of Bikita West legislator Munyaradzi Kereke, who was sentenced to an effective 10 years in jail for raping his 11-year-old niece, six years ago.

The victory will likely open floodgates to private prosecutions in cases where perpetrators of crimes are declined prosecution by the National Prosecution Authority. Munyaradzi’s case had to proceed through private prosecution after Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana refused to prosecute him, saying there was no evidence linking the legislator to the offence.

Regional magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa sentenced Kereke to 14 years behind bars, but set aside four years for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offense within that period.