THE 23-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly kissing his landlord’s 11-year-old daughter will spend 10 years in jail.
He allegedly kissed the minor on the neck.
The tenant has since been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without an option of a fine.
Simanga Tsabedze of Hlatikulu was sentenced by Principal Magistrate David Khumalo at the Manzini Magistrate’s Court on Friday after the minor had testified how she had suffered abuse at the hands of Tsabedze.
This comes after Tsabedze pleaded guilty. He was found guilty as per his own plea.
He mitigated for a lenient sentence on grounds that he had eight children that were dependent on him.
He added that he was unemployed.
Before passing sentence, Magistrate Khumalo said through his wayward act, Tsabedze was grooming the minor to be tolerant to sexual abuse.
He said sexual abuse normally begins with minor advances such as a kiss until it culminates to the actual act of sexual violation.
Therefore, the magistrate said by sentencing Tsabedze to 10 years imprisonment without an option of a fine, he was averting what would have manifested into sexual abuse, had it continued unabated.
Meanwhile, Tsabedze was arrested and charged with contravening Section 36(1) (a) (ii) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018, in that he wrongfully and unlawfully abused the minor by kissing her on the neck and did thereby contravene the said Act.
The incident took place at Mliba on April 18.
Tsabedze, who was renting a house at the minor’s home, allegedly lured her with a bun into his rented house.
Upon entering his house, Tsabedze kissed her on the neck, leaving her with some marks, particularly on the neckline.
The minor’s teachers noticed the marks on the minor’s neck and contacted the police. The police interrogated the minor who revealed that she was kissed by Tsabedze.
Her narration was backed by her (minor’s) seven-year-old friend, who told the police that indeed the survivor confided in her that she had been kissed by Tsabedze.
The minor was then taken to the doctors for further examination. Fortunately, it was discovered that she had not been sexually violated during the ordeal.
