Zimbabwean teacher faces prosecution after her intimate video with 16-year-old student leaks
A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, has been arraigned before the Harare Magistrates’ court after being accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old boy.
The accused, identified as a former schoolteacher now living in the United States, allegedly committed the offence during a visit to the family home of her boyfriend, who is a tenant in the boy’s household in the Glen View area of Harare.
According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred on August 2, when the woman reportedly approached the teenager in his bedroom.
Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge allegedly coerced boy
The boy later told investigators that he did not consent to the encounter and claimed she coerced him. He reportedly also said that the woman promised to help him relocate to the United States if he remained silent.
Netizens who have seen the private video of the duo, however, wondered if there was any coercion indeed, considering the eagerness with which the student was engaging with the older woman in the clip.
Many commented that his actions belied his tender age.
However, Zimbabwean law sets the age of consent at 18, making any sexual activity with a 16-year-old illegal regardless of claimed consent.
The teenager is said to have confided in his sister hours after the incident. She later informed their mother, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Viral video sparks outrage
A video circulated on social media earlier, reportedly showing the woman with the teenager. Authorities have not confirmed whether the footage forms part of the official evidence, but online commentary around the clip intensified public attention on the case.
The video appears to have been recorded with the camera positioned in a fixed location, raising questions about consent and intention.
Prosecution’s Position
Prosecutors argue that promises of overseas travel were used as leverage to keep the minor from reporting the incident. They say the alleged act constitutes a clear breach of child-protection laws.
Ongoing Trial
The case is still before the court, with the state expected to present additional witnesses in the coming days. No plea has been publicly confirmed from the accused.
Authorities have also urged the public to allow due process and refrain from circulating unverified or explicit material online.
