Online Reporter
Blessing Ticha Karubwa
A WEEK after disturbing allegations of sexual abuse involving an eight-year-old girl emerged from Yacobe Village, the child’s family says progress has stalled, leaving them desperate for action. Authorities say investigations are ongoing while official records are verified.
The child is allegedly being abused by her stepbrothers aged 10 and 15 years, while her father is said to be hostile towards anyone who tries to assist her.
Her father is now living with a new wife, who is the biological mother of the boys being accused of the abuse.
The girl’s mother, Grace Moyo who is now based in South Africa, said the family has reported the matter to police but has yet to receive a case number.
“I spoke to officer (name withheld) who said he referred the matter to ZRP Matanga and promised to follow up,” she said. “We were told officers would attend last week, then we were told they were at a course in Zvishavane. Another excuse was a sick child. We reported this two weeks ago and we still have no case number.”
Police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said he could not comment without reviewing station records. “We deal with many cases and I cannot speak without verifying the records. I will need to be in the office and confirm the details,” he said.
The family says they are seeking immediate protection and medical attention for the child. They initially tried arranging help through local community channels.
Village social worker Sithathele Sibanda, who is also the village head’s wife, confirmed that she had attempted to assist but was unable to secure a medical examination. She said financial constraints and lack of consent from the child’s father complicated matters.
She advised the child’s grandfather to pursue the matter through police channels while she attended to her own health.
Sibanda also said the abuse came to light after the child confided in her mother and alleged that the suspected perpetrator is a close relative who has since reportedly left the country. The family insists other children may have been affected and that earlier attempts to resolve the matter privately have failed.
The grandmother and other family members have called for swift intervention to ensure the child receives proper medical attention and protection.
Authorities say investigations will proceed once records are verified, and police continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the family remains anxious and fearful, urging that the safety and well-being of the child be prioritised.
The case highlights the difficulties families face in remote areas when urgent cases of child abuse intersect with logistical delays and procedural verification.
derick.khumalo