marble nkomo
Blessing Ticha Karubwa
A TALE of alleged incest and a father’s iron-fisted cover-up has rocked Yacobe Village in Mberengwa. An eight-year-old girl is the silent victim at the centre of a storm involving her two half-brothers, aged 10 and 15, who allegedly sexually violated her while she was under her father’s care.
The girl’s mother, Grace Moyo (28), a Zimbabwean based in South Africa, is crying out for help. She sent her daughter to live with Xolani Dennis Sithole (48) in December 2024 due to financial struggles. By June, horrifying reports surfaced.
“I just want my child removed from there and for justice to take its course,” Moyo pleaded. She claims Sithole has blocked all access and threatened to kill anyone who follows up.
Beauty Gebhuza Ngwenya (55), the victim’s aunt and a rape survivor herself, is also pushing for action.
“I know how it feels to be abused without anyone standing up for you. I want my niece taken to the hospital and provided with counselling,” she said.
Even Sithole’s own blood is speaking out. An anonymous close relative confirmed the abuse but noted Sithole’s shifting stories.
“The father said the child was abused by the neighbour’s children, not her siblings. He said the matter was settled with damages. We told him justice must be done, but he said the child is healthy and it was just play,” the relative revealed.
When B-Metro tracked down the father, he spat fire. “Wena ungabongidakelwa. You are going to get into trouble,” Sithole fumed. He then labelled the child’s mother a prostitute and slammed the phone down.
Village social worker Sithathele Sibanda described the frustration of trying to get the child medical help.
”They initially agreed that I take the victim to the hospital so I felt sick and went to the hospital first, and when I asked them to bring the daughter to the hospital they started giving excuses saying the father of the child is not consenting and a lot more excuses,” she said.
Village head Lawrence Ncube confirmed the stalemate. “I am aware of this issue but it is being handled by the social workers. It appears like the aunt staying with the daughter is not willing to allow her to be taken to hospital,” he said.
The traditional leadership is in a state of flux. Outgoing Chief Maxwell Sibanda claimed ignorance.
“I do not know of this issue. At times local leaders deal with these issues alone without bringing them to me,” he admitted. Chief Kenneth Sibanda, who took office on Thursday, declined to dive in. “My role as Chief starts today,” he said.
Tinashe Tore, a social worker with SAYWHAT, demanded emergency action. “Child protection is vital and everyone must take it seriously,” Tore said, promising psycho-social support for the traumatised minor.
Online Reporter