Mumba, 36, Jailed After Admitting “Love” for 14-Year-Old ‘Child Abductor’

A 36-year-old Bulawayo man has been jailed for three years after admitting in court that he was “in love” with a 14-year-old girl he had been repeatedly abusing since January.

Godwell Mumba appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate, Themba Chimiso on Monday, where he claimed he believed the minor was old enough to be in a relationship.

“At first, I was in love with her sister and when I separated from her sister, I fell in love with her younger sister.

“The girl told me that she was a mother of one child and I assumed she was old enough. That is why I committed the offence.”

Magistrate Chimiso dismissed Mumba’s defense, saying he had abused his position of trust to take advantage of the girl.

ALSO READ: Harare Runs Like a Country and Needs Serious Management: Mafume 

“You took advantage of the girl child and sexually violated her.

“Since you were in love with her sister, you were in a position of trust and you were supposed to protect the child, but instead you sexually violated her.

“It is the duty of the court to protect the girl child from sexual predators like you. You are, therefore, sentenced to three years in jail,” said the magistrate.

“You planned the offence and it was carried out over a long period. The ordeal will haunt her. Faced with people like you, the girl is not safe.”

In his defense, Mumba noted his responsibilities as a married man and a father to a nine-year-old child, claiming he is the sole provider for his family.

“I am a kombi driver,” he said, seeking leniency from the court.

“Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu argued against Mumba’s request for a lighter sentence, stressing the significant age difference and the prolonged nature of the relationship that occurred from January until last week.

“The age difference is more than twice; the sexual relationship was prolonged, and he was in a position of trust since he was in love with her sister,” Mpofu asserted.