A 26-year-old man from Jecheni Village will spend the next two years behind bars after the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
The incident traces back to July 2024, when the 13-year-old complainant’s mother left for Rupungwana to work part-time, entrusting her children to the care of her husband. However, the young girl—who is also a school dropout—went missing in August, raising concerns within the family.
Initially, her father assumed she was at church. But after persistent inquiries, the truth emerged: she was staying with the accused man. On September 8th, when the mother returned and was informed about the girl’s whereabouts, she reported the matter to the authorities. Accompanied by police officers, the mother retrieved her daughter, and the accused was swiftly arrested.
The court sentenced the offender to three years in prison, though one year was suspended on condition of good behavior for the next five years. As a result, he will serve two years effectively.
With this ruling, authorities continue to stress the importance of child protection and combating sexual offenses under the law.
