Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Burma Valley farming community, about 52 kilometres east of Mutare, has raised alarm over the sexual exploitation of schoolgirls, with reports that some minors are being lured into abusive sexual relationships for as little as US$1.
An investigation by The Manica Post into child sexual abuse in the banana-growing area uncovered disturbing allegations that even primary school learners, some reportedly as young as 14, are falling prey to adult men who exploit their vulnerability.
A phrase that has reportedly become common within parts of the community, “dollar for two”, refers to the small amount allegedly paid by perpetrators to lure young girls into sexual encounters.
The allegations have exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities affecting children living in farming compounds, where poverty, overcrowded living conditions, weak reporting systems and social pressures are creating fertile ground for abuse.
Local farmer, Mrs Lucia Mbetsa, said child sexual abuse in farming communities is often linked to family and social circumstances within the compounds.
“The cases of sexual abuse here are very serious. It starts with the living arrangements. In many cases, the father, mother and children share a single room. By the time a child reaches Grade Five or Six, she may already have been exposed to things beyond her age.
“Another common challenge is when a mother leaves a child in the care of a boyfriend. Tragedy often strikes when the child is left alone with someone who is not a biological parent,” she said.
Mrs Mbetsa said the community is also witnessing an increase in cases where young girls enter relationships with much older men.
“It is heart-breaking to see children as young as 12 cohabiting with adults. I would not even call it marriage because there are no formal processes involved. These are children being abused by adults, and such arrangements rarely last,” she said.
A farm worker, Ms Miriam Khumalo, described the situation as alarming, saying schoolgirls are frequently targeted by adults who use small amounts of money to lure them.
“Sexual abuse of schoolgirls is rampant. Some perpetrators use money, sometimes as little as US$1, to entice young girls. In fact, they call it ‘dollar for two’. Some girls leave home claiming they are going to school, but instead spend the day at the homes of these men.
“It is a tragic situation because the future of these girls is being destroyed through early sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies and school dropouts,” she said.
Children attending Valhala, Musapa and Kaswa primary schools, as well as Mazonwe Secondary School, are reportedly among those exposed to the challenge. Similar concerns have also emerged in neighbouring Chigodora, where learners at Gombakomba Primary and Gombakomba Secondary schools are allegedly facing similar risks.
Community members say school dropouts, teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasingly becoming a worrying trend in the area.
A local nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that health workers are recording growing numbers of teenage pregnancies and STI cases.
“We are seeing an increase in STIs and teenage pregnancies in Burma Valley. Sadly, some of the affected individuals are school-going minors,” said the nurse.
Legislator and chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development, Honourable Getrude Mutandi, said the abuse of young girls in farming communities demands urgent intervention.
“It is disturbing that many cases of sexual abuse are swept under the carpet in the name of family honour, religion or social considerations. This culture of silence must end.
“We must protect the girl child and ensure she reaches her full potential. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse belong behind bars, and we will continue pushing for stronger action against offenders,” she said.
Shamwari YeMwanasika programmes officer, Ms Patience Kaerezi, described child sexual abuse and child marriages in Burma Valley
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as a serious child-protection concern requiring a coordinated response.
She said while specific statistics for Manicaland still require verification, evidence from community work shows that child protection challenges are often driven by poverty, school dropouts, harmful social norms, limited access to services and weak reporting mechanisms.
“Farming communities face unique vulnerabilities because children live in compounds where many families reside in close proximity, while parents spend long hours at work. Economic dependency can also discourage families from reporting abuse, especially where the alleged perpetrator has financial influence within the community,” she said.
Ms Kaerezi added that fear, stigma, intimidation and efforts to settle cases informally often contribute to underreporting.
“It is important not to assume that reported cases reflect the full extent of the problem. We need stronger safeguarding systems, confidential reporting mechanisms and closer collaboration among police, schools, health institutions, social welfare departments, traditional leaders, farm management and civil society organisations.
“Children must be protected, listened to and connected to appropriate support and justice services,” she said.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education chief director for Manicaland, Mr Richard Gabaza could not be reached for comment.
However, the ministry’s Director for Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said addressing child sexual abuse requires a whole-of-government approach.
“This is a collective responsibility, with Local Government playing a key role. Our mandate is to educate learners about the dangers associated with early sexual activity and empower them to make informed decisions,” he said.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said police will continue working closely with communities and stakeholders to combat sexual abuse and protect vulnerable groups.
“We strongly condemn all harmful practices targeting children, particularly girls. Children living in farming compounds deserve the same protection and opportunities as any other child in the province.
“The responsibility for safeguarding children does not rest with parents alone. It is a collective duty involving guardians, farm owners, employers, teachers, churches, traditional leaders, social services and law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged adults to create safe environments for children and immediately report suspected abuse to the authorities.
“Adults must respect children’s boundaries, avoid situations that place minors at risk and report alleged abuse rather than attempting to resolve such cases informally.
“Children should never be blamed for sexual abuse, and schools must remain vigilant because teachers are often among the first trusted adults to whom victims disclose their experiences,” he said.
