Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
A 68-year-old man from Mbizingwe in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province, shocked his community when it was revealed that he had been in a relationship with a 14-year-old Grade Seven student since December of last year.
It appears that what let the cat out of the bag of this six-month relationship was uncovered when the 14-year-old girl’s mother found an undergarment she hadn’t purchased for her daughter and asked where it came from.
The man appeared before Esigodini resident magistrate, Ms Linda Menelisi facing two counts of having adult activities with a young person. He was convicted on both counts and sentenced to an effective four years imprisonment.
During an unspecified day in May 2024, around midday, the man reportedly called the girl to his residence, and she agreed to visit him. According to the court’s account, once she arrived, the man made advances and suggested engaging in adult activities. The girl, perhaps out of naivety or fear, complied with his request. This incident was part of a series of inappropriate interactions that eventually led to the man being brought before the court. The case has highlighted serious concerns about the vulnerability of minors and the need for stronger community awareness and protection measures.
On the second charge, the court was informed that in June 2024, on a date not specified to the public prosecutor, the man encountered the complainant at Mbizingwe Business Centre. He lured her into a nearby toilet, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with her.
The State presented evidence suggesting that the man attempted to keep the incident secret by providing the girl with fruits, snacks (jiggies), and a pair of panties.
The case came to light on July 5, 2024, when the girl’s mother, who had recently returned from an undisclosed location, noticed the new panties and questioned her daughter about their origin. The girl disclosed that the panties were given to her by the man after he had sex with her on two separate occasions.
Following the report to the police, the girl was sent for a medical examination. For these two offenses, the man was sentenced to six years in prison, with two years suspended for five years, contingent on him not committing any sexual offenses during that period. Therefore, the effective prison term is four years.
Zim GBC News©2024