SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GWERU- A 14-year-old boy from Gweru has been spared from saving a 15-year- jail term after he was convicted for sexually abusing his four -year -old relative.
The young offender whose name is withheld for ethical reasons was convicted by the Gweru Regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure who passed a lenient sentence, handing him a 15-year jail term wholly suspended for five years.
According to court records, circumstances are that, in August last year, the offender who shared the same bedroom with the victim sexually abused him several times, including oral rape.
The matter came to light when the minor disclosed the ordeal to his parents leading to the arrest of the young offender.
Passing judgement, Magistrate Maturure condemned the juvenile’s actions, warning him to stay away from crime.
He took into account that the boy was a first offender who did not waste the court’s time through pleading guilty to the offence.
He said offences of that nature threatened the offender’s future and must not be repeated.
“You didn’t waste the court’s time and pleading guilty to the offence is a sign of showing remorse. The offender must however take note that being a juvenile is not a green light to continue committing crimes with the hope that he will get a lenient sentence.
“The court condone this wayward behaviour and we expect the young people to be concentrating on national building and shaping their future instead of engaging in such criminal activities,” he said.
He said the crime happened in the comfort of their home, where the victim was supposed to enjoy and be protected by the offender.
“You should have protected the complainant from harm rather than abusing him,” he said.
