A 23-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to an effective 18 months in prison for impregnating a 15-year-old girl. The man, from Cowdray Park suburb, was convicted of having sex with a minor by West Commonage magistrate, Mrs Lenia Khumalo. The magistrate’s decision reflects a growing concern over the rising number of sexual offences against minors in the region.
The court heard that the incident occurred sometime in August of last year. The 15-year-old girl, who frequently visited the accused at his residence, engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with him on multiple occasions. The relationship continued until the girl discovered she was pregnant.
It was this pregnancy that brought the matter to light. The girl informed her mother, leading to a police report and the subsequent arrest of the 23-year-old man. The case highlights the vulnerability of young girls and the devastating consequences of sexual abuse.
In passing sentence, Mrs Khumalo expressed deep concern about the increasing prevalence of sexual offences involving minors. She stated, “Cases that involve sexual relationships with juveniles are now on the rise; there is a need to send a clear message to would-be offenders that the law does not tolerate such behaviour.” The magistrate’s comments underscore the seriousness of the crime and the court’s determination to protect children from such abuse.
The prosecutor, Ms Mandrela Chisiiwa, detailed the events leading to the man’s conviction. She explained that the complainant, the 15-year-old girl, would regularly visit the accused at his home and sleep with him. This happened repeatedly, without the use of contraception, resulting in the pregnancy. The prosecution’s account provides a clear picture of the ongoing nature of the abuse.
The accused received a 24-month prison sentence, with six months suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. The effective 18-month sentence reflects the court’s seriousness in addressing this crime.
