Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
POLICE in Bulawayo have launched an urgent manhunt for a 50-year-old man who allegedly raped a six-year-old girl in a bushy area, in Woodville Park suburb.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the incident, which occurred on 13 October.
A family member who spoke to B-Metro on condition of anonymity said the complainant was sent by her sister to buy vegetables at a nearby plot. While the minor was running to the plot, she was ambushed by a man who, a community member said, could be aged 50.
The community member said the minor sensed danger and took to her heels but the suspect gave chase and caught up with her.
The man allegedly dragged her to a bushy area, on arrival, he undressed her and allegedly raped her.
While he was about to sexually attack her for the second time, he heard voices of community members who were fetching firewood and he fled. The minor limped to her home and reported the matter to her sister, who accompanied her to a police station and reported the incident.
Commenting on the incident, Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said: “I confirm that a six-year-old girl was raped by a suspect who is on the run” she appealed for anyone with information, which could lead to the arrest of the accused person to contact any nearest police station.
“Anyone who could have information that might help in the arrest of the suspect may contact any nearest police station or drop a tipoff at any police suggestion box,” she said.
Londile Moyo