Londile Moyo
Dalyn Chigwizura, [email protected]
A Bulawayo man who was arrested after residents in his neighbourhood reported that he was cohabiting with a minor has been sentenced to 315 hours of community service.
Isaac Nyika (21), of Pelandaba West, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
He pleaded guilty to the offence and was initially sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years on condition that, during that period, he does not commit a similar offence.
The remaining nine months were further suspended on condition that he completes 315 hours of community service at Pumula North ZRP, commencing tomorrow (Friday).
In mitigation, Nyika told the court that he was unaware that the complainant was below the age of 18, stating that she had informed him that she was 19 years old.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the accused and the complainant were in a boyfriend-and-girlfriend relationship.
He said that on April 2, 2026, Nyika travelled to Chipinge and approached the complainant’s parents seeking permission to take her as his wife, to which they agreed.
The court heard that the accused and the complainant then came to Bulawayo, where they began living together as husband and wife and engaged in sexual intercourse on several occasions.
The matter came to light on April 14, 2026, after police received a tip-off from local residents who reported that the accused was living with a minor as his wife.
Nyika was subsequently arrested, while the complainant was taken to hospital for a medical examination, Mr Dzimbanhete said.
Online Reporter