Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 27-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man is behind bars after admitting to bedding his 15-year-old “girlfriend” in a disturbing love scandal that landed him a nine-month jail term.
Steward Chigwaze of Iminyela suburb pleaded guilty before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube. He was initially slapped with a 15-month sentence, but six months were set aside for five years on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that Chigwaze wooed the minor in July and the two went on to engage in sexual encounters “on several occasions.”
On 13 August, the girl was sent by her sister to Iminyela Shopping Centre but instead slipped into Chigwaze’s home where she lingered until late. When quizzed by her sister on her whereabouts, the teen was ordered to return to “where she came from” and promptly went back to the accused’s house.
The illicit affair was exposed on 11 September after the girl’s father grilled her over her constant disappearances. She confessed, leading to Chigwaze’s arrest. The complainant was referred to hospital for medical examination.
In Zimbabwe, the legal age of consent is 18, and the courts have repeatedly ruled that minors cannot legally consent to sex. Offenders face jail terms even if the act is presented as consensual.
If we all agree that a girl under 18 cannot agree to sex, why then is sleeping with one not considered a rape case? Would sleeping with a 6 year old be treated the same way as sleeping with a 15 year old? Where does the law draw the line?