A 21-year-old man from the Chief Ngorima area in Chimanimani was ordered to perform 420 hours of unpaid work by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court for having s.e.xual intercourse with a minor (a 14-year-old girl).
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on 23 April 2024, the complainant was coming from Charles Wood Business Centre when she encountered the accused person on a footpath. Said the NPA:
The accused person who had previously proposed love to the complainant, blocked her way demanding an answer. The complainant informed him that she was not interested.
He dragged her to a nearby bush where he raped her once before walking away. The complainant resumed her journey back home.
On the 6th of May 2024, the complainant’s mother who had come back from Harare observed a noticeable limp in her gait and made inquiries.
The complainant revealed that she was raped by the accused person. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person.
However, the Court ruled that a romantic relationship existed between the complainant and the accused person.
Subsequently, the accused person was convicted of “having s.e.xual intercourse with a young person” as defined in terms Section 70 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act).
He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment of which 6 months were suspended. The remaining 12 months were suspended on the condition he performs 420 hours of community service.
