27 Jul 2025

A Zimbabwe national, Gift Masuku, who is facing a single count of defilement has attributed his crime to ignorance of the country’s defilement law.

Masuku, 25, appeared for mitigation before Magistrate Jobbie Moilatshimo of Broadhurst Magistrate Court on Thursday. He stated that if he had been aware of the defilement law, he would not have committed the offence.

“When I committed the offence, I was young and unaware of the law. I humbly request a second chance, Your Worship,” Masuku said.

He promised that given another opportunity, he would rectify his mistakes and reconcile with those he had wronged.

“A child was conceived in the offence, and if given a chance, I will ensure I support the child,” he added, expressing his sorrow that while in prison, a child would be somewhere longing for his support and care.

He said if the court were to sentence him to a lengthy prison term, the child would likely grow up without a father figure and face significant hardships. Therefore, he urged the court to consider that he was a first-time offender who committed the offense due to ignorance. Masuku also informed the court that prison life was difficult and that he had already learned his lesson.

“In prison, it is especially hard for young prisoners like us, we are often subjected to violation by older inmates,” he stated.

“Imagine if I were to grow in prison, all my life would be lost,” he pleaded, seeking the court’s mercy.

Masuku, who is self represented, is charged with a single count of defilement, which he committed in Mogoditshane last year against a 15-year-old teenager whom subsequently fell pregnant from the offence. He is scheduled to return to court today for sentencing. ENDS