Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A SCHOOL principal who had an illicit relationship with a 15-year-old learner was recently sentenced to 36 months in jail.
Munesi Jordan Peter (48), was charged with having sexual intercourse with a child as defined in Section 70(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) ACT [Chapter 9:23].
He was convicted by Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.
Of the 36 months, 12 were suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve 24 months in jail.
Munesi from First Grade Academy in Penhalonga, was employed as a principal at the school.
It was the State case led by prosecutor, Mrs Joyce Tinarwo, that Munesi and the complainant were lovers since April.
The court heard that sometime in April, around 1pm, the complainant was on her way to the sporting grounds when she met the accused, who greeted and started proposing love to her.
The complainant accepted the proposal, and Munesi told her to visit his house after school.
During one of the weekends, the complainant visited the accused person in the company of her young sister.
While at the accused’s place, Munesi sent the complainant’s young sister to a nearby homestead to ask for a plastic bag.
After the complainant’s young sister had gone, the accused had unprotected intercourse with the complainant once with her consent.
When they heard the complainant’s young sister coming, they stopped.
The complainant got up while the accused remained in bed.
He asked the complainant to clean a pot for him, and pack some potatoes in the plastic bag her sister had brought.
The complainant went back home, and did not tell anyone about the incident.
The matter came to light when the complainant’s mother noted behavioural changes in the complainant.
She sat her down and questioned her.
The complainant narrated her ordeal at Munetsi’s hands.
The matter was reported at Penhalonga Police Station, following which the victim was medically examined, and medical report was produced in court as an exhibit.
Online Reporter