Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
IN a despicable act, an apostolic sect evangelist from Makoni, sexually abused a 17-year-old congregant, who was pregnant in revelations that left the community shell-shocked.
The matter came to light when the victim gave birth, and her child flatly refused to breast feed, prompting village elders to compel her to confess, either the rightful father of the child or transgressions she committed while pregnant.
This is when she revealed having been sexually abused by Russia Muradzikwa (62) while she was heavily pregnant.
Muradzikwa appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, facing one count of having sexual intercourse with a young person, as defined in Section 70 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9.23), as read with Section 4 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Criminal Laws Protection of Children and Young Persons) Regulations 2024 of Statutory Instrument 2 of 2024, which criminalises sexual intercourse with persons below the age of 18 years.
Muradzikwa, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
However, overwhelming evidence presented in court led to his conviction.
Mr Mahwe sentenced him to 18 months in jail, suspending six months on condition that he does not commit an offence of a sexual nature in the next five years.
The remaining 12 months were set aside on condition that he performs 420 hours of community service at Chiduku Primary School.
Mr Mahwe had no kind words for the convict, describing his behaviour as unacceptable.
He said he spared him a custodial sentence because of his advanced age and that he visibly looked unwell.
Prosecutor, Ms Faith Mutukwa, told the court that Muradzikwa offered the pregnant complainant US$3 to have sexual intercourse with her and she agreed.
“Muradzikwa is an ex-boyfriend of the complainant.
“Accused person fell in love with the complainant sometime in April 2023.
“Sometime in April 2023, the complainant was on her way to the grinding mill when the accused person called and asked to sleep with her.
“At first the complainant refused and later agreed to sleep with him after the accused person gave her US$3.
“They proceeded to the accused person’s dining room where she was abused.
“The matter came to light when the complainant gave birth to her child in March 2024, and the baby could not breast feed. The complainant was asked to confess by village elders according to their culture.
“She revealed that she had sexual intercourse with the accused person during her pregnancy days. A report was made to the police leading to Muradzikwa’s arrest,” said Ms Mutukwa.
