ZIMBABWE – A 31-year-old maid, Precious Chitseko has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after she was found guilty of raping her employer’s grandson on several occasions despite fully knowing that she is living with HIV.

She appeared before regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo facing charges of aggravated indecent assault for raping the minor. The minor’s age could not be ascertained but is estimated to be between 9 and 11.

Reports indicate that Chitseko, who was not represented by a lawyer, denied the charges against her. However, the magistrate found her guilty following a full trial.

In passing the sentence, the magistrate said the courts have a duty to protect minors from predators. He also noted that Chitseko deserved a deterrent sentence as she has high moral blameworthiness.

He sentenced the sex loving maid to 20 years in prison and did not suspend any portion of the sentence.

Outlining the state’s case, the prosecution said Chitseko took advantage of her employer’s absence to abuse the minor.

Between 12 October 2020 and 09 November 2020, Chitseko could not control her sexual desires and had unprotected intercourse with the minor on several occasions.

The minor revealed the abuse to his grandmother on 26 February 2021, leading to the arrest of the maid.