Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara [email protected]
A 54-YEAR-OLD man from Mbembesi in Umguza District has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for sodomising two 16-year-old boys, including his cousin, during a single night at his homestead.
The man, from Mantanjeni Village under Chief Ndondo, cannot be named to protect the identity of one of the victims related to him. He was convicted on two counts of aggravated indecent assault by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere.
In delivering sentence, Mr Manwere ruled that the offences were committed under aggravating circumstances and warranted a severe custodial penalty.
The accused was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences running concurrently.
Prosecuting, Mr Jethro Mada told the court that the offences occurred sometime in February this year.
The court heard that the accused asked his cousin and the teenager’s friend to prepare supper for him, and the two complied.
After the meal, the accused persuaded the juveniles to spend the night at his homestead.
During the night, the accused ordered the complainants to remove their clothes before sodomising them.
The abuse was later reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The two teenagers were referred to hospital for medical examinations, and the reports were produced in court as exhibits.
