A VILLAGE drunk who raped an 80-year-old grandmother in her home was caught after falling asleep shortly after the attack.
Thirty-year-old Michael Fraser, who admitted he knew the woman “since birth”, was beginning a 16-year jail term on Wednesday after admitting a charge of rape before a Bulawayo magistrate.
Fraser, of Madabe in Mangwe district, will serve an effective 14 years after two years of the sentence were conditionally suspended by Bulawayo regional magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni.
Prosecuting, Mazhar Petkar told the court that Fraser, a brick moulder, was walking back from a beer drink on the night of July 9 this year when he unlawfully entered the old woman’s sleeping hut.
“He threatened her with death if she made any noise and cupped her mouth with one hand before raping her,” Pektar said.
“After waiting a few minutes, he raped her a second time before falling asleep by her side.”
The woman sneaked out and raised the alarm. Police found Fraser fast asleep in the woman’s blankets.
Fraser had pleaded with the court to be lenient with him, claiming that he was sorry for what he did.
“I have known her since birth and I deeply regret my actions,” he told the magistrate before sentencing.