Herdsman jailed for sleeping with schoolgirl

A Nyanga cattle herder's secret affair with a teenage schoolgirl has ended in disgrace - and jail time - serving as a stark reminder that child "relationships" are not love stories but criminal offences.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Panashe Chingoza (28) was convicted by the Nyanga Magistrates' Court for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old Form 2 pupil.

"The victim, a 14-year-old girl, and the offender were boyfriend and girlfriend. Their relationship began in August 2025 when the offender met the victim on her way from school," the NPAZ said in a statement.

Zimbabwean law clearly defines anyone under the age of 18 as a minor who cannot legally consent to a sexual or romantic relationship.

Investigations revealed that the girl occasionally skipped school to meet Chingoza at his workplace. The matter came to light when the victim's father was alerted by other pupils that his daughter was at the herdsman's homestead.

"The father immediately went to the homestead where he found the victim and escorted her to the police station to file a report," the NPAZ added.

Chingoza pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 36 months in prison, with 12 months suspended for five years, leaving him to serve 24 months effectively.

The NPAZ has since urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious relationships involving minors.

"Parents and guardians are reminded to monitor children closely and report any suspicious relationships early to protect them from exploitation," the authority said.