Five men drug and rape girl (13)

Mthokozisi Ncube

Police in Bulawayo have thrown five men behind bars after a shocking case in which a 13‑year‑old girl was allegedly abducted, drugged and raped in New Lobengula. 

Nkosana Ngwenya (35) of New Lobengula, Derick Gama (34) of Njube, Brian Ncube (26) of Njube, George Ndebele (20) of Njube, and Allan Mwale (26) of Old Lobengula were rounded up following a chilling ordeal that has left the community shaken.

According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the incident occurred on 10 April 2026 around 4pm. The juvenile was walking home after visiting a friend when she was ambushed by the gang. They blocked her path, slapped her across the face, and struck her knee with an iron bar before dragging her to a house in New Lobengula.

Inside, the men tied her to a chair with rope. Witnesses say the accused injected themselves with an unknown substance before forcing the girl to drink a “revive” beverage suspected to have been laced with a drug. She blacked out.

Hours later, around 11pm, she regained consciousness to find herself half‑naked, bloodied, and in pain. One of the accused sat beside her. Evidence suggested she had been raped.

At dawn the next day, the men left her alone. Summoning courage, the girl used a shard of broken bulb glass to cut herself free and escape.

The matter only came to light a week later, on 17 April, when her 63‑year‑old mother noticed she was struggling to walk. A police report was filed immediately, leading to the swift arrest of the five suspects.

Insp Msebele urged parents to be vigilant.

“Guardians must closely monitor children’s movements and teach them personal safety. The public should report suspicious behaviour without delay,” she said.

The case has sparked outrage in Njube and Lobengula, with residents demanding harsher penalties for sexual predators. Community leaders say the incident highlights the dangers faced by young girls and the need for collective vigilance.

Police investigations are ongoing, and the accused are expected to appear in court soon.