A JOHANNE Masowe eChishanu Apostolic church member has been taken to court facing rape charges after taking a Grade 7 pupil as a wife.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
Tichaona Chinemo (40) from Burma Valley, who appeared before Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe on Saturday, was remanded in custody to July 3.
He was not asked to plead.
Prosecutor Brian Goto changed the charge from having sexual intercourse with a minor to rape.
Sometime in 2019, Chinemo allegedly proposed love to the complainant, whose age was not revealed, and she agreed. He had unprotected sexual intercourse with her several times this year until she fell pregnant. Chinemo promised to marry her.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
On June 18, the complainant’s mother and social welfare workers went to the accused’s village in search of the minor and community members revealed her whereabouts.
They found the pair sleeping at Chinemo’s homestead.
Upon being questioned, the minor disclosed that she was now married to Chinemo.
The matter was reported at Burma Valley Police Station leading to Chinemo’s arrest.