Sidumisile Mabena
B-Metro Reporter
BULAWAYO cops are hunting for a farm predator while another pervert is behind bars after a horror week of attacks on children. The province’s police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed separate cases where two girls aged 9 and 14 years were targeted while home alone.
In a Boxing Day attack that only came to light this week, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly pounced on by a neighbour at Billars Farm.
The teen was busy preparing supper when Ngqobizitha Sibanda reportedly knocked at the door. After hearing the girl’s grandmother was away, Sibanda allegedly forced his way inside and raped the minor. The brute then threatened to beat the child if she ever told a soul.
The secret stayed buried until February 25 when the girl’s mother visited from Umguza. The traumatised teen finally broke her silence, leading to a police report. Sibanda remains at large.
The second incident occurred in Cowdray Park on Tuesday night. Mthulisi Mafu (25) allegedly lured a 9-year-old girl into an unfinished room at the back of a house after realising she was home alone.
Mafu’s luck ran out when the girl’s sister walked in on the act. The suspect fled the scene but was quickly hunted down and nabbed by police.
Inspector Msebele urged guardians to stay vigilant and never leave children unprotected.
“We urge parents and guardians to protect juveniles at any possible way to prevent such cases from happening,” she said.
derick.khumalo