Masvingo (Masvingo Star-New Ziana) – A sexual relationship with a minor has earned a Masvingo-based soldier eight months behind bars.

The soldier pleaded guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Grace Tupiri, who slapped him with 14 months imprisonment but conditionally suspended six months for five years, leaving him to serve eight months in prison.

It was the State case that the soldier based at 4 Brigade, went to Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre on August 12 for Heroes Day where he met the 14-year-old girl.

At around 11am, he proposed love to the minor and she accepted. The two started chatting and texting each other through their phones. On August 22 at around 7pm, the minor visited the soldier’s place of residence and the two shared a meal.

They engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse once with the minor’s consent. At around 10pm, the soldier accompanied the minor back home.

On September 21 around 6pm, the minor again went to the soldier’s lodgings where she found the door locked. She phoned the soldier who told her where to find the keys.

She took the keys and opened the door and waited for the soldier to arrive home. At around 8pm, the soldier arrived home with some groceries. The girl slept at the soldier’s house where they had protected sexual intercourse once with her consent.

The following day at around 10am, she was accompanied back home by the soldier.

Upon arrival, her stepfather asked where she had slept and she revealed.

The stepfather called the minor’s uncle who then called to meet with her in town.

The soldier and the minor met in town with the uncle and the trio proceeded to ZRP Central where a report was made.

Catherine Mazani appeared for the State.
New Ziana