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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 30-year-old married man who seduced a 13-year-old girl and impregnated her was yesterday sent to jail for an effective 10 months.

In passing sentence, Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya said the sentence would send a message to other men who view young girls as sex objects.

Ladder Chimutwe of Epworth was sentenced to 15 months in prison, five of which were suspended for four years.

Chimutwe was facing rape charges , but was convicted on having sexual intercourse with a minor after the court established that the girl consented.

“Crimes of having sexual intercourse with minors are on the increase. Although they are not as serious as rape, they have harsh unwanted impact on society,” said Mr Mujaya.

“The law is protecting the girl child from men like you who seduce, play with young girls and leave them. Your actions lead to baby dumping or abortion.

This girl was close to 12 years and you allowed your first wife to torture and starve her.”

Mr Mujaya added that Chimutwe had no serious intentions with the girl and doubted paternity of the pregnancy.

“The girl said he doesn’t love you anymore and wants to return to school,” Mr Mujaya said.

In mitigation Chimutwe, who is self-employed as a barber , asked for forgiveness.

“Please forgive me for my actions. I will never do this again. May you be lenient in passing sentence, I am a family man,” he said.

The prosecutor Mr Ephraim Zinyandu said in November last year, Chimutwe and the girl fell in love. The pair started having consensual sexual intercourse in January this year.

In mid-February Chimutwe invited the girl to his residence and delayed her till late.

The girl was afraid of going home and Chimutwe suggested that the pair spend the night together at his house.

After supper Chimutwe begged for intimacy and the girl refused at first, but later gave in.

The following day the girl went back home and lied that she slept at her friend’s place. Her uncle was not amused and suggested that the girl be taken to their rural area in Murehwa.

She stayed in Murehwa for four months before it was discovered that she was pregnant. She was sent back to her mother and eloped to Chimutwe. Chimutwe’s wife ill- treated and starved her.

The girl’s mother reported the matter to the police.