Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE community of Lushongwe area in Gwanda has raised a red flag over a case involving a 23-year-old mentally challenged woman who was allegedly sexually abused by several men in the community in exchange for goodies.
Some of the men were reportedly buying beer for the woman, who is also deaf.
Some were using goodies such as snacks and sweets to lure the woman. They would meet her at the business centre.
Members of the community last week reported the matter to the police and the woman was referred to the Gwanda One Stop Centre at Gwanda Provincial Hospital where it was confirmed that she is three months pregnant.
The victim has since been taken to a safe shelter in Irrisvale in Umzingwane District.
In an interview with the assistance of a sign language interpreter, the woman revealed that several men slept with her in exchange for sweets.
“I spend my time at the shops and men give me sweets. Some of them give me alcohol to drink and they sleep with me. They told me that I’m pregnant, but I don’t know who the father of the child is as several men have slept with me,” she said.
The victim’s grandmother said her granddaughter is in the habit of wandering off and spending time away from home.
“It disturbs me that men have been taking advantage of my granddaughter and now she is pregnant. It’s been difficult for me to closely monitor her as I’m now of age. I’m relieved that she is now in a safe place where she can be protected,” she said.
Gwanda One Stop Centre administrator, Ms Sarudzai Mudade raised concern over an increase in cases of sexual abuse where perpetrators were taking advantage of people with disability.
She said the community should be protecting one of their own instead of harming them. Ms Mudade said community members must report such cases of sexual abuse.
Mr Pick Nkomwa who is the director of a disability rights organisation, Nkomwa Foundation Trust, said the police contacted his organisation after they had removed the woman from her community.
He said the woman is mentally challenged and could not consent to sex.
“We received a phone call from the police notifying us about the case and we released two officers to assist with sign language interpretation. The organisation provided clothing and food during the process since the survivor was picked up at the shops,” said Mr Mudade.
“We further provided sign language interpretation service for the police to conduct their investigation and we accompanied her to the hospital where we handed her over to the One Stop Centre. The survivor was taken to a safe shelter in Irrisvale.”
Mr Nkomwa said it is important for families to protect their relatives with disability from abuse. He said people with disability are vulnerable and should not be left alone.
Mr Nkomwa said in cases where the victims have to be removed from the harmful society, families have to engage relevant authorities so that necessary measures can be taken.
“It is unfortunate that some family members abuse their relatives with disabilities while others neglect them. People with disability have rights and they need to be protected from people who might harm them” he said.
Online Reporter