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Whinsley Masara, Sunday News Reporter
A 61-year-old man from Lupane was arrested for allegedly raping his 10-year-old step-daughter and buying her silence by giving her a hen.
The rape incident which allegedly occurred in June, 2017, only came to light over the weekend after the 10-year-old minor developed genital warts. The man of Ulutho Village, under Chief Mabhikwa, allegedly committed the crime during the absence of the minor’s mother. He was arrested on Saturday.
A source who preferred anonymity said the mother of the minor aged 48 had gone to St Luke’s Mission Hospital, when the stepfather raped the girl.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident and said the man had since been arrested.
“I can confirm receiving a report of rape where an elderly man, a stepfather raped a 10-year-old girl in the absence of her mother. The mother had gone to the hospital and the man allegedly arrived home, in a drunken stupor and raped the girl once without protection while his 12-year-old brother was sleeping next to her,” she said.
Insp Makonese said the man threatened the girl, ordering her not to reveal the matter to anyone and he promised her a hen which he later gave her.
“We continue to warn members of the public not to leave children in the custody of males, whether related or not. Some people, especially some men have become dangerous and heartless in a way that they think of sex each time they see a woman. They would rather leave them anywhere else as long as they are in the custody of females,” she said.
A relative who spoke on condition of anonymity said the first rape incident occurred some time in June.
She said they were not sure if the minor was raped once.
The source said he pleaded with the minor not to disclose the matter to anyone and gave her a chicken as payment.
“The minor did not tell anyone about the incident until after she developed some genital warts and had difficulties walking. Her mother questioned her until she revealed the matter,” she said.
The case was reported to police on Saturday leading to the man’s arrest.
The minor was referred to St Luke’s Mission Hospital for medical examinations where she is receiving treatment.
Chief Mabhikwa confirmed the rape incident but said he had not yet received the full details of what transpired.
“I received the report of the rape incident but don’t have much detail on the matter yet.
“It is disappointing to have such heartless elderly people in society. It is a serious crime to rape, and more serious and bad when done on a minor. “By raping a minor, one disturbs their childhood development and attitude. In some instance such as these ones, transmits diseases to them.
“Such men people should be arrested and removed from society. We appeal for a crime free society and plead with members of the public to desist from such barbaric behaviours,” he said.-@winnie_masara
Online Reporter