HARARE - A self-proclaimed prophet, who forced a 13-year-old boy to sodomise him, was jailed for 12 years at the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Mathodias Matambo, 26, appeared before regional magistrate Adonia Masawi facing charges of aggravated indecency.

Masawi sentenced Matambo to 12 years in jail.

Five years were suspended on condition Matambo does not commit any related offence within five years of his release.

The court heard that on April 25 this year, Matambo visited the juvenile at his aunt’s house where he had been invited to pray for the aunt and her child.

After conducting his prayers, Matambo asked the boy to accompany him to his shrine for prayers.

Matambo told the boy he had demons that were causing him to abscond from school. He offered to cast out the demons.

The teenager is said to have complied and accompanied Matambo to an open space in Glen View 1 where he conducted the prayers.

After a while Matambo told the boy that they should rest and sleep for a while.

He also warned the teenager everything done at his shrine must be kept a secret.

He told the boy that what was about to happen should not be reported to anyone.

Matambo told the boy to sleep by his side. He touched the teenager’s genitals and removed his trousers and pants to knee level after which he forced the teenager to sodomise him.

The court heard the boy started crying, prompting Matambo to set him free.

He went home, told his cousin and aunt what had happened, leading to Matambo’s arrest.