HARERE: A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, has been arraigned before a Harare Magistrates’ Court after being accused of engaging in an unlawful relationship with a 16-year-old boy.
Makedenge, a former schoolteacher currently residing in the United States, allegedly committed the offence while visiting the Glen View home of her boyfriend, who rents an apartment in the teenager’s family house.
Court filings indicate that the alleged incident took place on August 2. The woman was said to have approached the teenager in his bedroom, after which the boy reported that he did not consent. He further claimed she pressured him and offered to help him relocate to the United States if he remained silent.
The teenager is believed to have confided in his sister shortly after the encounter. She informed their mother, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
A private video that appeared online and was widely circulated on social media intensified public interest in the case. Authorities have not confirmed whether the footage is included in the official evidence.
Online commenters debated the circumstances of the encounter, though under Zimbabwean law the age of consent is 18, making sexual activity with a 16-year-old illegal regardless of the minor’s behaviour.
Prosecutors allege that the woman used the promise of international travel as leverage to keep the teenager from speaking out. They argue that the act constitutes a violation of the country’s child-protection laws.
The matter remains before the court, with prosecutors expected to call additional witnesses. Makedenge has not publicly entered a plea.
Officials have urged the public to allow due process to take its course and to avoid sharing explicit or unverified materials connected to the case.
