Siqokoqela Mphoko, the son of former Zimbabwean Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, has been jailed after he was found guilty of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a vulnerable minor.
Mphoko bagged a 20-year jail term.
Siqokoqela was also given a concurrent two-month sentence for violating a court order by the Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Elijah Singano, who found him guilty of violating the victim’s constitutional rights.
The age difference between Mphoko and the victim was three times, demonstrating the former’s perceived low morality.
He reportedly threatened the victim with death if she revealed the matter to anyone. It was also gathered that the victim looked up to Mphoko as a father figure, but he betrayed her trust, violating the rights of both the victim and her family.
Mphoko’s lawyer argued for a reduced sentence, citing his medical condition and family obligations. His lawyer said he had an immovable property, including a house and cars, and a young family. The prosecutor on their own part said the victim would suffer psychological consequences for life.
Singano however said the court must act in the best interests of the child, and many of the victim’s constitutional rights were violated, including privacy, good health, education, and dignity. The magistrate agreed with the defense’s request to treat all three counts as warranting sentencing.
The magistrate said; “Lawfully each count of r*pe is equal to 10 years in prison and sentencing the accused 30 years for each count will be on the harsh side considering that it is the same victim and in a short space of time.
The court is inclined to impose 20 years of imprisonment for all three counts and unfortunately, the court cannot further suspend this sentence as it will be taken for belittling this serious crime.
The accused is therefore sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for count one to three and two months for count four which will be served concurrently with the previous counts.”
August 2022, Siqokoqela Mphoko fled from the police station where was remanded citing injustice and lack of fairness.
This month’s sentencing therefore, puts paid to any months of suspense and fear for the fate of the minor.
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Son of Former Zimbabwean Vice President Jailed for R*ping Vulnerable Minor (video)