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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
A 16-YEAR-OLD Bulilima teenager terminated her five months pregnancy and threw the foetus in a Blair toilet after her boyfriend denied responsibility.
The juvenile, who is also a mother of a two-year-old boy and cannot be named for ethical reasons, told a Plumtree magistrate that she resorted to terminating the pregnancy as she did not have the means to fend for the child.
“I already have a two-year-old son and I’m struggling to sustain him because his father deserted us. The father of what was supposed to be my second child also denied responsibility and it was difficult for me to keep the pregnancy,” she said.
She was convicted on her own plea of guilty to unlawful termination of pregnancy by Plumtree magistrate, Mr Taurai Manwere.
She was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and four months were suspended on condition that she does not within the next five years commit a similar offence.
The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that she performs 280 hours of community service at a local clinic.
Mr Manwere warned the juvenile against engaging in sex at a tender age.
“You shouldn’t be engaging in sexual activities at your age in the first place because that will destroy your future.
“The fact that your boyfriend denied responsibility doesn’t justify your actions,” he said.
Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said the juvenile terminated the pregnancy on June 30.
“The juvenile drank herbal concoction to induce the abortion. She then threw the foetus in a Blair toilet at her aunt’s home.
“After two weeks her aunt became suspicious and examined the juvenile who later admitted to have aborted,” he said.
Mr Mazorodze said the juvenile’s aunt later reported the matter to the police leading to her arrest.
— @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter