Online Reporter
Mangaliso Kabulika
A 48-YEAR-OLD from Dzivarasekwa 3 is alleged to have molested an 11-year-old girl, sparking outrage among local residents.
The suspect, identified as Matthew Murada, is also known in the community as Munyaradzi Murada
He was allegedly caught touching the young girl inappropriately, including fondling her breasts and inserting his finger into her private parts.
The matter has been reported to the police under case number RRB6473427.
A woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she witnessed the incident and saw Murada removing his hand from the child’s underwear.
She said:
“She is only starting to develop breasts and this man was touching her inappropriately.”
The child stays with her grandmother.
She informed her about the incident.
The elderly woman was unable to notify the police. Word quickly spread within the community and angry residents began to gather, threatening to attack Murada.
To prevent mob justice, the suspect was temporarily hidden in a nearby house for safety.
The police and the child’s father were contacted.
While waiting for authorities to arrive, Murada allegedly confirmed that he had touched the girl in an appropriate manner.
Murada admitted to committing the offence but pleaded with those around not to hand him over to the public, fearing for his life.
When the police arrived, Murada scaled a security wall and disappeared.
He is currently on the run.
The girl’s mother, who is in South Africa, was informed of the incident and is said to have broken down in tears.
The father took the child to the police station where she gave a statement.
Arrangements were made for the victim to undergo medical examinations and counselling at a local hospital.
One woman, Martha Kaparidze criticised the grandmother’s decision to leave for work without reporting the incident.
“This was so irresponsible of her given she is the immediate person in the care of the child.
“She should have put her work commitments aside and stood by her granddaughter,” she said.
