Blessing Nduku
Tafadzwa Mlambo (23) a vendor in Gweru was sentenced to six months imprisonment for having sex with a minor.
“Mlambo pleaded guilty to having consensual sex with a minor who is 16 years old.“
According to the state state outline Mlambo was in a six months relationship with this minor whose name is withheld with their sexual encounter occurring in July.
“Tafadzwa Mlambo’s lawyer pleaded for leniency citing the consensual nature of their relationship and Mlambo’s cooperation with the court by pleading guilty of all the charges against him.” The state demanded a more intense sentence showing the need to protect the minor’s interest
“Tafadzwa Mlambo engaged in unprotected sex with the 16 year old, exposing her to the risk of sexually transmitted infections,” argued Brandon Ndlovu the state prosecutor.
“The state was of the view that Mlambo’s actions demonstrated a disregard for the minor’s well being and that an effective imprisonment was necessary to hold him accountable.” The court then articulated a fine not exceeding level 12 and imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
“Therefore since Mlambo was a first time offender, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a US300 fine with an alternative of three months imprisonment.