Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
A 26-year-old man from Gwanda has been sentenced to three years in prison for impregnating his 14-year-old neighbour. He was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor by Gwanda Regional Magistrate Mrs Sithembiso Ndebele, after pleading not guilty to a charge of rape.
However, he will serve an effective two years, with one year suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
In passing sentence, Mrs Ndebele expressed deep concern over the accused’s conduct, noting that while he did not deny the sexual encounter, the age of the complainant was a serious aggravating factor.
“The accused person did not deny having sexual intercourse with the complainant. What is aggravating is that the complainant is aged 14 years,” said Mrs Ndebele.
Prosecutor Mr Ngonidzashe Shumba told the court that the man had sexual intercourse with the minor on two occasions between June and July this year.
“On an unknown date in June, the complainant’s mother had gone out on errands, leaving the complainant with her younger siblings. The accused arrived at the homestead and found them sitting in the kitchen hut,” said Mr Shumba.
He then asked to speak to the complainant privately and led her to a bedroom, where he closed the door and began fondling her.
“The complainant told him to stop, but he threatened to kill her if she screamed, before raping her,” said Mr Shumba.
He added that on another date in July, the accused returned to the complainant’s home and found her alone. He allegedly dragged her into the bedroom and raped her again.
The matter came to light in August when the complainant’s mother noticed physical changes in her daughter and questioned her.
“She interviewed the complainant, who revealed what the accused had done. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest,” said Mr Shumba.
In his defence, the accused claimed the encounters were consensual, stating that he was in a romantic relationship with the complainant and that she had invited him to her home whenever her mother was away.
