The Zim Hip-Hop 2026 award winner and “Skinyu” hitmaker, Runner Rulez, has been ordered to perform 315 hours of community service after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The 22-year-old artist, whose real name is Leven Takunda Mutondori, had pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted following a full trial presided over by Epworth magistrate Ethel Chichera.

The court handed Mutondori a 12-month total prison sentence, though he is expected to avoid incarceration. Three months of the term were suspended for a period of five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence. The remaining nine months were suspended on the condition that he completes 315 hours of community service at Waterfalls Clinic. The court-ordered labor is set to take place over ten weeks, beginning on December 23.

During the trial, prosecutor Vincent Chidembo detailed how the complainant initially contacted the rapper on Instagram in October. The pair transitioned their conversation to WhatsApp and developed a friendship before meeting in person at Mutondori’s home. The prosecution proved that while at the residence, Mutondori inquired about the girl’s age and she informed him she was 17. The two subsequently agreed to engage in sexual activity, doing so four times the following day.

The incident came to the attention of authorities after the complainant ran away from her home. Her father discovered her location after viewing a social media status update which showed that she was attending a show with the rapper. A police report was filed immediately following the discovery, leading to the trial and subsequent sentencing of the high-profile musician.