Teen rapes cousin

A 17-year-old boy from Inyathi has been sentenced to perform 240 hours of community service after being convicted of raping his 12-year-old cousin.

The teenager, from Balanda Village 8, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms. Sibonginkosi Mkandla, who initially handed down an 18-month prison sentence. Six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he completes community service.

Prosecutor Mr. Jethro Mada told the court that the offence occurred on Christmas Day last year at around 8 p.m. The victim was walking home from Balanda Business Centre with a friend when the accused, accompanied by his own friend, approached them.

The court heard that the accused grabbed the complainant's hand and dragged her into a nearby bush, where he forcibly removed her clothes and raped her. After fleeing the scene, he later followed the girl again and assaulted her a second time near a dam.

Upon reaching home, the complainant reported the incident to her family, who immediately alerted the police. The victim was taken to Inyathi District Hospital for medical examination, and the accused was arrested shortly thereafter.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mkandla emphasized the seriousness of the offence but opted for community service in place of imprisonment, citing the offender's age. The ruling has sparked debate over the adequacy of punishments in cases involving sexual violence against minors.