Coventry Man Jailed for 15 Years for Child Rape

Khumbulani Sibanda, 43, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of a child under 13. The crimes took place between 2016 and 2018, but the abuse was not reported until January 2021 when the victim confided in someone about the "secret."

Sibanda was convicted after a trial and was classed as a dangerous offender, meaning he must serve at least 10 years before being eligible for parole. He will then be on an extended licence for three years, or eight years if released after 10 years in prison. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The child alleged the rapes occurred on multiple occasions while visiting Sibanda's home in Coventry.

Detective Constable Suzanne Leah, the investigating officer, stated: "The child was so young they wouldn't necessarily have understood how badly they were being abused. Sibanda completely took advantage of the child's young age and innocence for his own sexual gratification. I am pleased the length of the sentence reflects the severity of his crimes."

Sibanda, now of Fosse Road South in Leicester, was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on August 24. He was also sentenced to 12 weeks each for sexual assault and exposure, to run concurrently with the 15-year sentence.