Crimes and Courts Correspondent
A 35-year-old Boy Scout teacher from Chief Seke has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the sexual assault of seven boys, aged between 12 and 16, during karate training camps.
The Chitungwiza Magistrates Court found him guilty of seven counts of aggravated indecent assault and six violations of the Data Protection Act.
The man manipulated the boys by instructing them to wash thoroughly and exposing them to pornographic material before committing the assaults.
“He used his position of trust to exploit and harm these young boys,” said the prosecutor.
The abuse came to light when one of the victims confided in his parents, who alerted others through a WhatsApp group.
“We were horrified to learn what had happened to our son and immediately notified the authorities,” said one parent.
More victims came forward after the initial report, leading to the man’s arrest and subsequent conviction.
“We are relieved that justice has been served, but the scars from this abuse will remain with these boys forever,” said another parent.
In a separate incident, a 26-year-old man from Chipinge was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl.
“This heinous crime has left a young girl traumatized, and we hope this sentence brings some measure of closure,” said the prosecutor.
The girl reported the crime to her parents, resulting in the man’s arrest.
“We are grateful for the bravery of our daughter in speaking out and hope this serves as a warning to others who would seek to harm our children,” said her parents.
Zim GBC News©2024