Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A MAN of the cloth was sentenced to an effective three years behind bars for a predatory “prayer session” that ended in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old child.
The 27-year-old OFFENDER from Rusape, who was supposed to be a spiritual guardian, took advantage of his status to lure the minor into his private quarters following a crossover prayer service on New Year’s Eve. Instead of spiritual guidance, the victim was met with a nightmare after the predator “locked the door and sexually assaulted the victim,” according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ)
The trial took a dramatic turn as the court delved into the legalities of how the child reported the crime. Citing the legal precedent of S v Nyirenda, the court found that the victim’s initial confession was not entirely voluntary.
The NPAZ noted that “the victim’s disclosure was prompted by leading and intimidating questioning, including pressure from her mother.” Because the report was forced out of her rather than given freely, the court ruled that the evidence did not meet the “threshold for a rape conviction.”
However, the “man of God” nailed himself to the cross when he tried to wiggle out of the handcuffs by claiming the encounter was consensual. The Magistrate shut down that defence immediately. The court made it clear that “consent is legally irrelevant when the survivor is below the age of 18.”
Since the offender admitted to the act, the court returned a competent verdict of sexual intercourse with a minor. The NPAZ issued a stern warning to other community leaders who might be tempted to follow in his footsteps.
“Positions of spiritual leadership must never be abused to exploit the vulnerable. The conviction underscores the justice system’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”
