Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, danimasuku44552gmail.com
THE 36-year-old man, who was arrested for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old, who is accused of kidnapping a two-year-old, has been sentenced to three years in jail.
Godwell Mumba, who is trending for the wrong reasons, appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso on Monday and told the court he was in love with the 14-year-old child.
In his defence, he said: “At first I was in love with the older sister and when we separated, I fell in love with the younger sister.
“The girl told me that she was a mother of one child and I assumed she was old enough. That is why I committed the offence.”
In sentencing him, the magistrate said: “You took advantage of the girl child and sexually violated her. Since you were in love with her sister, you were in a position of trust and you were supposed to protect the child, but instead, you sexually violated her.
“It is the duty of the court to protect the girl child from sexual predators like you. You are, therefore, sentenced to three years in jail,” said the magistrate.
“You planned the offence and it was carried out over a long period. The ordeal will haunt her. Faced with people like you, the girl is not safe.”
In mitigation, Mumba said: “I am married, and I have one child aged nine. She told me that her mother had passed away. I am the sole breadwinner and I am a kombi driver.”
In aggravation, prosecutor Mr Samuel Mpofu said: “The age difference is more than twice, the sexual relationship was prolonged, and he was in a position of trust since he was in love with her sister. I pray for a custodial sentence.”
Mr Mpofu told the court that from January this year until last week, Mumba engaged in sex with a 14-year-old who cannot be named for ethical reasons.
“From January this year, the accused had consensual sex with the girl on several occasions until last week,” he told the court.
Detectives from Homicide swooped on him after his alleged victim blew his cover.
Londile Moyo