Man in court for sleeping with a minor

A Figtree man, 20, claimed he was in love with his 13-year-old neighbour when he appeared in court on charges of sleeping with a minor.

The man reportedly proposed love to the juvenile who accepted and the two had sexual intercourse on several occasions.

Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove heard how the accused ran out of luck when police arrested the girl for shoplifting on December 17, 2013. The girl reportedly told the officers that she could not stand remand as her boyfriend had impregnated her.

Prosecuting, Portia Mhlanga said: "The accused and the complainant are neighbours who stay in a settlement in Figtree. During June, 2013 the accused person proposed love to the complainant and she accepted. During the month of August 2013, the accused had sexual intercourse with the complainant several times with her consent up to December 15, 2013."

It is believed that on December 17, the complainant was arrested for shoplifting. "When she was arrested she informed the police officer that she had sexual intercourse with the accused person and had fallen pregnant. She was taken to Plumtree District Hospital where she was examined by the doctor who confirmed that she was pregnant," Mhlanga said.

The accused was granted $50 bail and the case postponed to January 20.