A BEATRICE man, who allegedly lured a 13-year-old girl to his home and turned her into his wife using the traditional means known as “musengabere” (an old traditional practice where a man would grab a girl and take her to his place of dwelling, and make her his wife by force) has earned himself a two-year jail term for having sexual intercourse with a minor.
BY SOFIA MAPURANGA
Ranganai Manongore (23), from Matava Village under Chief Mugabe in Masvingo, was last week convicted on his own plea of guilty when he appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate, Yeukai Chigodora.
He had nine months of the jail term suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The court heard that on a date unknown to the State but in August last year, Manongore lured the minor, who was his girlfriend, while she was heading cattle and used “musengabere” to take the child to his place of residence. They had consensual sex after which she went back home.
The State added that on an unknown date but during the same month, during the night, the minor went back to Manongore’s house following his invitation.
They also had consensual sex before her parents got wind of her activities and quizzed her. She then admitted to engaging in sex with Manongore, leading to his arrest.
Norman Koropi prosecuted.
