By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A 23 year old man has been convicted by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court for engaging in sexual intercourse with a 16 year old girl.
Circumstances are that the accused, who is employed as a shopkeeper at Gaza O in Chipinge reportedly met the young girl, a Form 2 student while she was seeking change at his shop.
The man proposed love to her, and she accepted the offer. Subsequently, he invited her to his workplace, where they reportedly had consensual sexual intercourse.
The matter was brought to light when the girl’s father noticed her talking with the accused and questioned her. She revealed that she was in a relationship with him and that they had engaged in sexual intercourse twice.
Her mother then escorted her to the police station leading to the arrest of the accused.
In court, the man was sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, three months of this sentence were suspended for five years. The remaining nine months were also suspended on the condition that he performs 250 hours of community service.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to protect minors from sexual exploitation and uphold the law.