Man (42) impregnates minor (15) twice

A 42-year-old man from Zingondi Plots, Rusape, Blessing Murimi, has been sentenced to four years in prison for impregnating a 15-year-old schoolgirl twice within a year.

Murimi pleaded guilty to violating Section 70 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23), which prohibits sexual intercourse with minors. The sentence was handed down by Rusape Magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko.

Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that the victim was a Form Two learner at Chiundu High School, who gave birth via caesarean section in August 2025. The second pregnancy fathered by Murimi was also discovered within the same year.

The case came to light following an anonymous tip-off to the Angel of Hope Foundation, which reported the matter to the police.

"The accused and complainant are lovers. Sometime in October 2024, the accused person met the complainant and proposed love to her. The complainant accepted, and they fell in love. During the same period, Murimi and the complainant met and slept together several times," Ms Mutukwa explained.

The court heard that in February 2025, the girl began experiencing persistent headaches. After visiting Tandi Clinic, she was informed that she was pregnant. She reportedly eloped to Murimi's home and later gave birth to a baby boy on 29 August 2025. She then returned to her grandmother's home.

Police investigated the matter after the tip-off on 14 October 2025, leading to Murimi's arrest. The complainant was referred to Rusape General Hospital for medical examination.

Magistrate Mateko noted that Murimi's actions had disrupted the girl's education and imposed the prison sentence as a deterrent against sexual abuse of minors.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over child protection and sexual offences in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting of such crimes.