By Melisa Munzvandi
An 18 year old man accused of raping a 13 year old minor will know his fate on Friday when judgment is expected.
Leon Ngwenya, 18, from Dulibadzimu in Beitbridge is facing two counts of rape. The matter was heard before Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa.
The State closed its case after leading evidence from the complainant, her mother and the investigating officer.
The court heard that Ngwenya had sexual intercourse with the minor on two occasions in July 2026. The complainant is now pregnant.
Ngwenya has not denied the case but says the encounters were consensual.
He told the court that the two were in a relationship.
Ngwenya also claimed he was told she was 16.
He told the court that he is responsible for the pregnancy and asked for forgiveness, saying he would look after the minor.
The State, however, produced documentary evidence proving that the complainant is 13 years old. The State maintains that by law a child under the age of 16 cannot consent to sexual intercourse.
The complainant’s mother told the court that she only became aware of the relationship after the complainant’s brother sent a photograph asking if she knew Ngwenya.
She said the minor initially denied the affair before admitting that they had sexual intercourse twice in July.
The complainant told the court that she kept quiet because Ngwenya had warned her not to disclose what had happened.
Due to the complainant being a minor, part of her testimony was heard in camera.
Judgment will be passed Friday.