Chronicle Editor
Sunday News Reporter
The family of Samantha Ncube from Tegela in Bulawayo has expressed grave concerns over her safety following years of alleged abuse at the hands of her uncle, Nhlanhla Ncube, a senior army official.
Samantha, who has reportedly been missing for several days, has endured a troubling life marked by control, threats, and violence.
A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, revealed the harrowing details of Samantha’s life under her uncle’s guardianship.
Samantha’s ordeal began when her mother became gravely ill in 2017
With no other immediate options, Samantha was placed under the care of her uncle, a man entrusted to protect her but who instead allegedly subjected her to unimaginable abuse.
“Samantha had a good life abroad,” said the family member. “She was working in Germany, but after her mother fell ill, she was forced to return home. That’s when everything changed for the worse. She started suffering sexual abuse at the hands of Uncle Nhlanhla, who used his position and influence to shield himself from accountability.”
The family member explained that upon her return, Samantha was stripped of her independence and forced into a life of isolation.
“She wasn’t allowed to make friends or go out except for church. It was as though she was a prisoner in her own home,” the relative shared.
“Even as family, we couldn’t do anything. He would threaten us and boast that he was untouchable because of his position in the army.”
The abuse reportedly escalated, with Samantha being turned into a “sex slave” and prostituted to Nhlanhla’s colleagues.
“We were horrified when we found out what he was doing to her. But what could we do? He had all the power,” the family member added.
Samantha’s suffering was further compounded by a series of forced pregnancy terminations after falling pregnant multiple times due to the abuse.
“Whenever Samantha got pregnant, he would use his connections to find a doctor to terminate the pregnancy illegally,” the family member revealed.
“The most recent one almost killed her. She bled so much that we thought we were going to lose her.”
The family’s fears have deepened in recent days after Samantha disappeared without a trace.
“She’s gone. We don’t know where she is,” the family member said tearfully.
“Uncle Nhlanhla even came to us, threatening us and saying that when he finds her, he will ‘deal with her.’ We are terrified for her life. She must be so scared and alone.”
The family is pleading for anyone with information about Samantha’s whereabouts to come forward.
“We just want her to be safe,” the family member concluded.
“She’s been through enough. She deserves to be free from this nightmare.”
The allegations against Nhlanhla Ncube have sparked outrage within the local community, with calls growing louder for law enforcement to investigate the case thoroughly.
However, the family remains skeptical about whether justice will be served, given Nhlanhla’s position of power.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter