adminSamuel Kadungure Senior Reporter
ST Joseph’S Primary School senior teacher Benedict Chiro (46) was last Friday convicted of raping a 12-year-old pupil during an extra lessons session and was sentenced to 20 years in jail.Chiro, who cut a composed figure as Rusape regional magistrate Mr Livingstone Chipadza delivered his judgment before a packed court, will, however, serve 18 years after two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Following his conviction mid-morning, prosecutor Mr James Wirima made an application to have Chiro undergo a medical test.
This followed public speculation about his health.
Chiro’s Harare-based lawyer, Mrs Sophia Tsara, of Tsara and Associates, did not oppose the application, which served to induce scientific evidence to prove whether or not, at the time of the rape, the convict had been infected with a sexually transmitted disease.
The convict was taken to a local One Stop Centre, where tests revealed that he was HIV positive.
The discovery had a bearing on the sentence, considering that chances of transmission were high in anal sex intercourse and the fact that his actions hinged on deliberate infection.
The complainant will undergo medical test after the expiry of the three months window period to ascertain her status.
Online Reporter