An 18-year-old grade nine pupil of Bayuni Primary School in Makeni has admitted before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that he had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16, saying he thought she was 17, adding that the two were in a relationship.

The juvenile, who resides in Lusaka’s John Laing Compound, told the Court that the girl allowed him to have carnal knowledge of her but that it only happened once.

The said juvenile is facing one count of defilement of a child.

It is alleged that last July, he had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16.

When the matter came up for plea before Magistrate Nsunge Chanda, Wednesday, the juvenile pleaded guilty.

He said he had sex with the girl from his house and it only happened that same time.

The juvenile further told the Court that the girl was his girlfriend and that she told him she was 17 years old.

“She told me she was 17. She’s my girlfriend,” the boy said.

Asked whether the victim went to school, the juvenile said no.

Further asked whether she looked 17, he responded in the affirmative.

Asked whether she had allowed him to have sex with her, the juvenile said yes.

At this point, Magistrate Chanda asked the State to ensure that the victim was brought to court to determine the real age.

“Before going into facts, I want the victim to be brought before Court to see if the defence is standing. I need to confirm [and] on the same day we can proceed with facts,” said Magistrate Chanda.

Matter comes up on January 29 for facts, as the juvenile remains remanded in custody.