Nyanga Herder Jailed for Relationship with 14-Year-Old Pupil

A Nyanga herder has been jailed for two years after admitting to a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old pupil (image source)

A Nyanga cattle herder has been sentenced to two years behind bars after the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old Form 2 pupil, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said on Thursday.

Panashe Chingoza, 28, pleaded guilty after prosecutors said the relationship began in August 2025 when the teenager encountered him while walking home from school. Investigations revealed the pupil occasionally skipped classes to visit Chingoza at his homestead, where the pair met away from public scrutiny.

The matter came to light when fellow pupils alerted the girl’s father that she had been visiting the herdsman’s home during school hours. The father confronted the situation, accompanied the child to the police station, and filed a formal complaint, NPAZ said. “The victim, a 14-year-old girl, and the offender were boyfriend and girlfriend. Their relationship began in August 2025 when the offender met the victim on her way from school,” the prosecuting authority said in a statement.

Chingoza admitted guilt in court and was handed a 36-month sentence, with 12 months suspended for five years, leaving an effective custodial term of 24 months. The court emphasised that Zimbabwean law treats anyone under 18 as a minor incapable of consenting to sexual relationships. NPAZ urged communities to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from exploitation. “Parents and guardians are reminded to monitor children closely and report any suspicious relationships early to protect them from exploitation,” the authority added.

Child-rights groups and local activists welcomed the conviction as a key enforcement of laws protecting minors but stressed that prosecution alone is insufficient. They urged for stronger community education and school-based protection mechanisms to prevent recurrence. Advocates also called for improved reporting channels and support for victims, including counselling and assistance for school reintegration.

Local police and social-welfare officials said they will continue outreach programmes in rural areas to raise awareness about the legal age of consent and to encourage communities to report suspected abuse. The case has renewed calls for parents, teachers, and community leaders to strengthen supervision of children’s movements and social interactions to reduce opportunities for exploitation.

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