Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A MONSTER who raped an orphaned 10 year girl, allegedly to cure HIV, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Villagers alleged the girl, with her sisters aged 4 and 14 were enduring a shocking wave of sexual abuse in Magaba Village, Dolo Area, in Mberengwa West, which borders Filabusi in Matabeleland South.
Villagers told B-Metro that up to four family members and other people from the community were sexually abusing the children.
The orphans live with their grandmother and a maid.
Sources close to the family alleged the man—who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor—thought the abuse could “cure” a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) he had contracted, a belief rooted in criminally dangerous and false misinformation about diseases like HIV/Aids. Sources suggest this perpetrator acted on instructions from a traditional healer. Relatives said the STI was HIV, but the minor tested negative of the virus. It remains to be seen what her status will be after the window period lapses.
They said police told them they would investigate claims of sexual abuse of the other siblings when a formal report had been made.
The abuse was uncovered, thanks to a vigilant maid who noticed the 10-year-old had uncharacteristically refused to eat supper. Persistent questioning led the frightened child to disclose the horrific ordeal. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found she had contracted an STI, which raised an immediate alarm. Midlands Assistant Police Spokesperson Xolani Dube, said the police moved swiftly. The relative was arrested on 10 October after the matter was reported. The police report detailed that the child was allegedly bribed with snacks and assaulted multiple times.
The abuser appeared at the Zvishavane regional court before Magistrate Tawenga Sangster on 15 October. According to the prosecutor, Melisa Makombe, he was sentenced to 20 years on the first account of rape and another 20 years on the second account of rape. In total, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison but he will serve the sentence concurrently.
As for the victim, she was discharged from Gweru Provincial hospital, her condition was found stable. Thankfully she tested negative for HIV and Aids. Unfortunately, she was discharged to the same homestead where she is rumoured to have been raped by the other siblings. The future of the little girl hangs in the balance.
B-Metro tried to get a comment from Chief Bankwe, who is the regent Chief at Dolo. Unfortunately, the Chiefs’ secretary spoke on his behalf and said the Chief does not comment on such cases; such cases are left to the police. “His job does not allow him to do that.”
B-Metro tried to get a comment from Kholakele Mhlanga, Advocacy Programmes Officer from Umzingwane Aids Network council, however, they said they cannot comment because the matter is not under their jurisdiction. But previously they had commented in the matter.
Mhlanga had said: “What has happened shows us as a country — our laws need somehow to be tightened and people who do such things are to be apprehended accordingly.”
Mhlanga also suggested stiffer penalties be implemented for people who do such things. “We can’t have people in this day and age deliberately infecting children in the name of being cured from HIV”.
Sunga Mzeche, the Director for Hope for a Child in Christ (HOCIC), also had chipped in on the issue,
“These children must be put in a place of safety. Unfortunately, we cannot comment as an organisation because these children are not safe.”
The million dollar questions is: “Is the child safe since she went back to the same homestead she was rumoured to be raped? What action are child organisations taking in Mberengwa?”
