Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 23 YEAR-OLD Hwange man who admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl has been spared jail and ordered to perform community service.
Ronald Ncube of Ingagula suburb pleaded guilty before Hwange provincial magistrate Mr Sheunesu Matova, who convicted him of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
Ncube was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. Twelve months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, while the remaining 12 months were set aside on condition that he complete 420 hours of community service at Victoria Falls Hospital.
In mitigation, Ncube asked the court for leniency. Still, Magistrate Matova reminded him that the law is designed to shield children from exploitation and that a minor cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse.
Prosecuting, Mr Pride Mharadza told the court that Ncube met the girl in February last year during a school sports event at a local school. He proposed to her and the two remained in contact through WhatsApp.
“On 31 October 2025, Ncube, who works in Victoria Falls, travelled to Hwange and invited the complainant to his house, where they engaged in sexual intercourse,” said Mr Mharadza.
The offence came to light after the complainant’s father received a tip-off that his daughter was in a relationship. Following further inquiries, he reported the matter at Hwange Police Station, resulting in Ncube’s arrest.
The minor was later taken to St Patrick’s Hospital for medical examination.
