Thupeyo Muleya [email protected]
BEITBRIDGE East villagers have been left shocked after a father allegedly threw his 16-year-old daughter into a disused well, leaving her trapped for six days before she was rescued alive on Monday morning.
The girl survived after landing on logs and tree branches that had been dumped into the approximately 12-metre-deep well by community members some time ago, preventing her from falling further underground.
The incident occurred in Tongwe Village, Ward 4, in Beitbridge East, under Headman Foromela’s jurisdiction, where the community is still struggling to come to terms with the disturbing development.
The girl, whose identity is being withheld because she is a minor, reportedly endured six days trapped in the well without food or water. She is currently admitted to Beitbridge District Hospital, where she is receiving medical attention.
A police source close to the investigations said officers were yet to locate the girl’s parents after finding their homestead deserted.
“Investigations are ongoing as we follow leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said the source.
The motive behind the alleged act is yet to be established.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer Dr Lenos Samhere was not readily available to comment on the girl’s medical condition.
Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as disturbing and urging families to seek the intervention of traditional leaders whenever they encounter domestic challenges.
“This is disturbing, and we are calling on all community members to be their neighbour’s keeper. What happened to that child is worrying, and we hope the matter will be resolved soon,” he said.
“We await further police investigations into the matter. We don’t condone such behaviour by parents. Now the child is traumatised and fragile. In fact, the community is still shaken by this incident.”
Community members who spoke anonymously raised concerns about the conditions at the girl’s homestead, alleging that she had been subjected to unfair treatment within the family and made to sleep separately in a makeshift shelter reportedly constructed from plastic sheeting and other materials.
They further alleged that she was not afforded the same affection and care as her three siblings.
A local social worker involved in the team assisting the victim, Mrs Babongile Gora, said the immediate priority should be supporting the girl’s recovery and emotional well-being.
“This child has endured severe trauma. Beyond her physical survival, we must focus on her emotional and psychological healing,” she said.
“Children in such situations need consistent, trauma-informed care, community support, and protection from stigma and re-traumatisation.
“We are working with health, police, and other stakeholders to ensure her best interests come first. Recovery will take time. We appeal to the community to support, not expose her. Let us give her time to heal.”
