MBABANE – A 24-year-old man from Somnjalose, Christopher Sakhile Gama, received a nine-year jail sentence for a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl. The sentencing took place on Thursday at the Mbabane Magistrates Court before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi.
Gama’s journey to the courtroom began in July 2024 when he was arrested and charged under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act 15/2018.
The court heard that Gama, a resident of Somnjalose, had a relationship with the complainant, a schoolgirl from Nyonyane. During the trial, the minor revealed they had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions, which led to her pregnancy. The court also heard that the pregnancy was aborted after Gama’s arrest.
The Crown argued that individuals under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse. The prosecution further noted that Gama’s failure to use protection had put the young girl at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
In a plea for leniency, Gama admitted guilt and expressed regret. He told the court he was unaware of the minor’s age and claimed he was assaulted because of their relationship, saying, “I nearly got killed because of her since I was beaten on her account.”
Principal Magistrate Nhlabatsi said the law has to protect children, stating that a person under 18 is not mature enough to consent to sex. The Magistrate also noted Gama’s actions had serious consequences, justifying a custodial sentence without the option of a fine.
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