Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman based in the United States, is now on trial at the Harare Magistrates Court, facing charges of engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy.
Makedenge has been formally accused of engaging in sexual conduct with the 16-year-old boy without his consent in the Glen View suburb of Harare.
According to Zimbabwean law, the age of consent is 18, making any such relationship with a 16-year-old illegal.
The court heard that the alleged incident took place on August 2. The prosecution stated that Makedenge, who is the girlfriend of a tenant residing at the boy’s family home, approached the teenager in his bedroom.
According to the 16-year-old boy, the 33-year-old woman forcefully engaged in the unlawful conduct with him and then promised to facilitate his travel to the United States, where she is now employed after leaving Zimbabwe as a teacher.
Prosecutors contend this offer was intended to secure the teenager’s silence about what had occurred.
However, the boy later reported the alleged incident to his sister, who subsequently informed their mother. The family then filed a report with the police, leading to Makedenge’s arrest.
The trial is ongoing as the court hears evidence from the state.
COMMENTS