Boy (16) to be caned

five strokes with a light rattan cane in lieu of having his jail term suspended.
The juvenile pleaded guilty to rape when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Rogers Kachambwa.
He was sentenced to three years in prison, but this was wholly suspended for five years on condition he does not commit an offence of a sexual nature within that time.
Mr Kachambwa added that the 16-year-old will receive five strokes under the supervision of a designated medical practitioner. The magistrate said, “He has to be deterred at all costs from engaging in sexual offences and he should learn to respect the bodily integrity of women.
“He is saved by his youthful age and him being a first offender who pleaded guilty hence saving the court’s time.
Prosecutor, Ms Fadzai Kuipa alleged that on September 24 last year the seven-year-old’s parents went to a funeral and left her alone. At around 7pm, the complainant went to the toilet and the boy followed. He dragged the minor to the fence and she cried for help but he muffled her screams and raped her. The mother discovered blood stains on the girl’s clothing and the minor narrated her ordeal.
A police report was made leading to the boy’s arrest.