In delivering
the sentence, Mrs Kufa said despite delays in reporting the crime, it was
evident that Makomo had violated the minor, who was left in his custody after
her mother’s death in 2022. “The courts exist to protect children and society
at large, ensuring that no one destroys their future,” said Mrs Kufa.
The magistrate
said Makomo considered himself married to the complainant, despite child
marriages being abolished under the Constitution.
“There was
evidence of threats and intimidation, particularly through the use of
spirituality,” the magistrate noted.
The complainant
suffered psychological harm and was disinherited of her late mother’s
property. “The complainant is a
vulnerable victim, having already lost her mother, hence the offence was
committed in aggravating circumstances,” ruled Magistrate Kufa.
Prosecutor Ms
Shambadzeni Fungura proved that Makomo abused his position of trust over the
complainant, a vulnerable child who had lost her mother.
Makomo removed
her from boarding school with the intention of making her his “wife”. The court
also heard that Makomo acted in collusion with an accomplice, Misheck Matambo,
who manipulated the complainant by pretending to be possessed by the spirit of
her late mother.
Matambo
threatened the girl with death if she refused to sleep with her stepfather.
Matambo is on the run.
Prosecutor
Fungura further noted that Makomo’s actions caused severe emotional and
psychological harm to the complainant.
According to
the State, the complainant’s mother passed away in 2022, leaving the girl in
Makomo’s care.
In July 2023,
Matambo visited the complainant’s home, pretending to be possessed by her late
mother’s spirit.
He instructed
the girl to have sexual intercourse with Makomo, but she initially refused.
Matambo returned later that month, repeating his act and threatening the
complainant with death if she did not comply.
Fearing for her
life, the complainant ultimately submitted to Makomo’s sexual demands.
Makomo’s
heinous actions were eventually reported, leading to his arrest and conviction.
Herald
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