Boy (17) jailed after infecting minor with STI

A 17-year-old Guruve juvenile was jailed for six months for sleeping with an underage girl and infecting her with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).

Public prosecutor, Ms Spiwe Makarichi, told the court that on 20 March 2017 the accused met the 14-years-old complainant and lured her to the bush where he raped her once.

The incident came to light after the girl started having some discharge on her privates, prompting her mother to quiz her.

The complainant was taken to Guruve hospital where she was treated. A medical report was produced in court.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for mercy saying he was the bread winner in his family.

"Your worship I am begging this court to forgive me since I am the bread winner my father passed on, the family looks on me for upkeep.

"We depend on farming and I have U$1600 in my bank account so if you convict me the family will suffer," said the accused.

Guruve magistrate Mr Artwel Sanyatwi said the law seeks to protect juveniles from going to jail however it would be very unfair not to give the accused a custodial sentence since he had infected the innocent girl with an STI.

He was sentenced to 6 months in jail for contravening section 70 1 (c) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.