Siblings punished for having a family

Another case from Zimbabwe:

A Mt Darwin brother and sister were last week ordered to perform 260 hours of community service after engaging in an incestuous relationship that culminated in a pregnancy. Yeukai Semene (23) and his sister Rumbidzai Nyamhanza (19) were found guilty of having sexual intercourse "within a prohibited degree of relationship".

The two were sentenced to 12 months in jail, but four months were suspended on condition that they do not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The other eight months were suspended on condition that the pair completes 260 hours of community service at Dotito Clinic and Kadohwata Primary School.

Their mothers are biological sisters who were married to a bigamist. Facts are that in December last year at Mutoro Village under Chief Dotito, the two had sexual intercourse which led to Nyamhanza falling pregnant. The matter came to light when family members grilled Nyamhanza on who was responsible for her pregnancy. Police were tipped off leading to their arrest.

When magistrate Mr Sithole Rushambwa asked the accused whether they would not repeat the same offence in the future, Semene promised never to do it again while Nyamhanza hesitated before also promising likewise.