adminMelody Baya Court Reporter
AN 18-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo is set to perform 820 hours of community service for impregnating his 15-year-old girlfriend. Mthokozisi Hlabangani of Mpopoma suburb appeared before Provincial Magistrate Abednico Ndebele for having sexual intercourse with a minor. Ndebele sentenced Hlabangani to a wholly suspended three years in jail.
“Twelve months are suspended on the condition that Hlabangani doesn’t commit a similar offence in the next five years and the remaining 24 months are suspended on the condition that you complete 820 hours of community service,” said Ndebele.
Hlabangani, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, told the court that he was not aware that the girl was under age and also said he was in love with her.
“I won’t accept the charge because I wasn’t aware that she was 15-years-old. We were in love when we slept together. “I never forced her to sleep with me. She told me she was 17-years-old, .
“Even if she has gotten me arrested, the fact remains that I’m still the father of her child,” said Hlabangani.
derick.khumalo