SYDNEY MUBAIWA
CHIPINGE- A 28- year old man from Chipinge was on Monday arraigned before the Chipinge Regional court facing two counts of rape and sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
According to court proceedings, on count one on an unknown date in October last year, at Chimiro Village in Chipinge, the offender had sexual intercourse with a 13-year old female juvenile who is a form one student.
The victim was advised to visit the prophet for prayers regarding her move to Marondera and she went to the offender’s homestead where he was alone.
He invited her to his bedroom where he expressed romantic interests and the two had sexual relations.
The matter came to light on May 26, 2025 when the victim’s mother noticed that her daughter was pregnant. A police report was made and medical examinations confirmed that she was eight months pregnant.
On count two, the court heard that, between February and May, 2025 in the same village, the offender unlawfully had sexual intercourse with a 15year old girl who is a Form 2 student with her consent knowing that she was under 18.
The victim later eloped with him and they stayed together in May.
The matter came to light after the victim for count one reported her case to police. The victim was medically examined confirming that she was four months pregnant.
The offender was sentenced to six years for each count and two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
He will serve the remaining 10 years.
