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maize field to harvest the crop has been slapped with a nine-year prison term.
Lovemore Mishone will, however, serve an effective seven years after regional magistrate Mr Clever Tsikwa set aside a portion of the sentence for five years on condition of good behaviour.

Mishone (18) had pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence.
While Mr Tsikwa found in Mishone’s favour that he was a youthful first offender, he also noted that his moral blameworthiness was high in the circumstances.
This, the court concluded, meant that he deserved a custodial sentence because of the serious nature of the offence he committed.

“He is a young man who was supposed to treat the woman with respect. In that he was supposed to lead a clean life however, he committed a serious offence and also in a violent manner.
“He infringed the woman’s dignity and left her traumatised and it is society’s responsibility to get rid of such uncouth elements.

“He calculated everything in advance as he strangled her when she tried to scream for help.
“Sex is supposed to be consensual and enjoyed by both parties. In the evidence there was no mentioning of protection and he has to face the reality of life and meet the end of justice,” Mr Tsikwa said.

Prosecutor Mr Editor Mavuto proved that on March 10, this year Mishone visited the girl at her aunt’s place and lied that he was sent to accompany her to the maize field to collect green maize.
Mishone on the day identified himself as John and told the woman they had to go together.

Along the way, near Dzivarasekwa 4, Mishone suddenly grabbed the girl by the neck and dragged her into a maize field, stripped her naked before raping her.
After the act Mishone then asked for a hug from his victim after threatening to kill her.

He also warned the girl not to reveal the rape to anyone.
Later the woman woke up and on her way home she met an old man who asked her why she was crying.

She narrated her ordeal to the man who then accompanied her to make a police report.
Mishone was arrested.
An identification parade was held and she positively identified Mishone.