Zimbabwean Paedophile says girl, 14, lied about her age

August 12, 2017
| Report Focus News
Judges Gavel, Handcuffs And Old Law Book On The Black Wooden Table Background In The Back Light. Overhead View. Lawsuit or Bail Or Arrest Concept

HWANGE: A 27-year-old paedophile here has appeared in court for sexual intercourse with a minor after he cohabited with a 14-year-old girl for eight days.

Tendai Mpala, 27, told the court that the girl, who had abandoned school to cohabit with the boyfriend, lied to him about her age.

The two met in June this year when he proposed love and the girl accepted.

“I never knew the complainant is below 16 years. She lied to me about her age,” said Mpala as he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Hwange magistrate Rose Dube remanded him out of custody to August 23
fort continuation of trial.

Mpala, who resides at Madumabisa village on the outskirts of Hwange town and is employed as a miner at South Mining, proposed love to the girl in June and last month the two lovers moved in together.

The girl stays in Kasibo area also on the outskirts of the coal mining town.

The unsanctioned marriage was foiled last week Thursday when Mpala was arrested after the girl’s mother reported her missing to the police and investigations led to his place of residence.

“Sometime in June this year, he proposed love and she accepted. On July 24 the two met at Lwendulu old grounds at 2pm before proceeding to the accused’s place of residence,” said the prosecutor Loveness Maseko.

Upon arrival, the court heard, Mpala asked to have sexual intercourse with the girl and she agreed.

The two cohabited and had sex on several occasions until Thursday last week when Mpala was arrested.

The girl was referred to St Patrick’s Hospital for medical examination.