Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara,[email protected]
A 22-year-old man employed as a security guard at a school in Nyamandlovu, has been sentenced to one year in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl on four separate occasions.
Lothando Sai, of Nyamandlovu, was convicted after trial by Bulawayo magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube. However, he will perform 420 hours of community service after his custodial sentence was suspended.
Mr Ncube noted that Sai was a first-time offender and that the court had exercised leniency to avoid incarceration. He explained that, given the offender’s age, imprisonment could potentially harden him and negatively affect his character, increasing the likelihood of re-offending. “The age difference is approximately four years, which further mitigated the circumstances in his favour,” said Mr Ncube.
Prosecutor Mr Mehluli Ndlovu, told the court that the victim, whose identity has been withheld for protection, was a Form Four pupil at Nyamandlovu Secondary School, where Sai was employed as a security guard.
He stated that on July 26, the victim eloped to Sai’s residence, where she spent the night and engaged in sexual intercourse with him. Mr Ndlovu further narrated that the victim visited Sai’s residence on three additional occasions, during which they again engaged in sexual activity.
In aggravation, Mr Ndlovu submitted that incidents involving adult males engaging in sexual relations with minors are on the rise.
“Sexual intercourse with under-age girls is increasing in the country, and it is imperative that the courts send a clear message that such conduct is unacceptable,” he said.
He also emphasised that the offender had committed the offence multiple times, underscoring the need for immediate intervention to prevent further unlawful behaviour.
