'Employer' beds, impregnates girl (15)

A 23-year-old Chipinge man has been ordered to perform 700 hours of community service after impregnating a 15-year-old girl he was staying with.

According to the Manicapost, Oliver Gwaimani was convicted on his own plea of guilty when he appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Makamera Waini, facing charges of contravening the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act 9,13.

The State, led by Mr Regis Mawarire, told the court that in August 2013, the complainant went to work as a maid in Chipinge from her rural home.

"While she was at work, she met the accused person and they fell in love. The two continued to see each other until they agreed to sleep together.

"After they slept together the complainant refused to go back to her workplace leading the accused person to cohabit with her. They stayed together as husband and wife. The complainant proceeded to lie to her parents that she was working.

"The matter came to light when the complainant's mother, Jaccuille Damiso, was informed that her daughter was not working but staying with a man as husband and wife in Gaza high-density suburb.

"While the complainant's mother was still investigating whether the rumours were true, the complainant returned home and told her the truth," he said.

Mr Mawarire said on February 6, the complainant's mother reported the matter to the police leading to Gwaimani's arrest.

The complainant was medically examined at Chipinge District Hospital and it was revealed that she was pregnant.

In his defence, Gwaimani said he cohabited with the girl by consent.

He said he was deep in love with her and further argued that the complainant lied to him that she was over 18 years.

"Your Worship, we agreed to marry each other and as you can see she is already pregnant. The complainant also lied to me that she was over 18 years old," he said

Gwaimani was sentenced to perform 700 hours of community service at Chipinge Magistrates' Court.