RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO- A 14 year old boy from Dewure East, Basera in Gutu has been acquitted by Masvingo Magistrate for having sex with his 12 year old cousin who stay at the same homestead.
The juvenile appeared before Magistrate Bishard Chineka who put the boy into probation after he pleaded guilty and implored with the court to give him another chance as he acted out of ignorance.
“I admit to have had sexual intercourse with the complainant but it was out of ignorance I did not know that I was breaking the law, I thought we were in love,” said the boy.
It was the state case that on the day unknown to prosecutor during the period extending from 2022 to 2023 the two started sleeping together.
The accused took complainant to some bushy area where he had sexual intercourse with her several times on different occasions.
The matter came to light when complainant revealed the matter to her friend who then told their teacher.
The teacher interviewed the complainant who then confirmed the incident.
The matter was reported to ZRP Basera where she was referred to Gutu Mission Hospital where a medical report was compiled.
Liberty Hove prosecuted.
