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Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
AFTER the brutal assault of her teenage daughter by her peers, Mrs Serbia Muchenjekwa said she could not stop crying after seeing the injuries sustained by her daughter this week.
It remains unclear why the girl was attacked.
Eighteen-year-old Mavis Mada endured a terrible ordeal at the hands of six girls who took turns to brutally assault her, an incident they had the audacity to video record using a cellphone.
The alleged assailants are from her village under Chief Svosve in Hwedza.
So brutal was the assault on Mavis that she fainted at some point as she could not take more pain.
The video which has since gone viral on social media platforms, shocking the entire nation, shows a naked Mavis being mercilessly whipped her all over the body.
In social media interactions, the public demanded justice for poor Mavis.
Police responded swiftly and arrested the six suspects, who have since appeared in court.
They are now facing the full wrath of the law, but just how did Mada’s mother react to this incident.
With evident bitterness lacing her voice, Mrs Muchenjekwa narrated the horror story yesterday.
“I was not at home when she was reportedly lured to the house where she was tormented. When I came back home, I found her crying in pain.
“I asked her why she was crying and she could not even stand let alone walk. I became worried and as she narrated her ordeal, I could not stop tears from rolling down my cheeks. I was deeply pained,” she said.
Mrs Muchenjekwa immediately took her daughter to hospital.
“I was crying all the way to the hospital where she was examined and treated. My anger reached boiling point when I saw the video clip of my child being mercilessly beaten.
“She was wailing and helpless, begging for mercy and the assault seemed to be endless. The attackers showed no mercy to the helpless young girl, who was naked.
“Her plea for mercy fell on deaf ears and I hear she eventually passed out.
“After all that has happened to my child, I thank God that I did not retaliate in a violent manner. I remained calm, knowing that taking the law into my hands was unlawful,” said Mrs Muchenjekwa.
She appealed to well wishers for assistance to enable her child to go for further examinations and possibly specialist treatment.
“My wish is for her to go for further examinations which includes scans. She should also go for counselling because she was very traumatised.”
Ms Charlotte Chigwedere, the founder of Active Mindset, an organisation that advocates the empowerment of the girl child and respect for women rights, said what happened to Mavis should never be tolerated in any society.
“The video clip showing a young girl from Hwedza enduring brutal violence at the hands of her peers is deeply disheartening and disturbing.
“There is an urgent need for comprehensive awareness programmes that promote sisterhood. The leadership in Hwedza should take proactive steps to collaborate with grassroots organisations to educate communities about the significance of mutual support and solidarity.
“It is imperative that we work together to cultivate a culture of empathy and empowerment, starting from the grassroots level,” she said.
The six suspected perpetrators appeared at the Marondera Magistrates Court yesterday.
Vimbai Mike (19) and Punish Mazhangazha (22) were remanded in custody to July 26, while the other four teenagers were released into the custody of their parents pending their next court appearance on the same date.
The six are facing aggravated indecent assault, cyber bullying as well as assault charges.
Prosecutors Mrs Barbara Mabika and Elizabeth Vikitara told the court that on July 4, 2024 around 11 am, the teen siblings went to Mavis Mada’s home wearing their school uniforms.
On arrival, they asked her to accompany them to Mike’s home to collect vegetable seedlings.
Mavis reportedly agreed to accompany them.
It is alleged that on arrival at Mike’s home, they found another teen, Mike and Mazhangazha sitting outside.
The suspects allegedly invited Mavis into the house and locked her inside before launching the brutal attack using switches.
They allegedly stripped Mavis naked during the process and filmed the whole incident.
The victim allegedly fell unconscious and the assailants reportedly poured cold water on her to resuscitate her.
The prosecutors said Mavis was then released naked and walked for about 200 metres before meeting one Trymore Chingwena who gave her a jacket to cover herself on her way home.
Online Reporter