Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter
A man who reportedly raped an eight-year-old girl in Norton three years ago has been arrested in Bulawayo.
In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said the accused, who stays in Hillside suburb, was residing at the victim’s home in Norton, where he worked as a casual labourer.
“One day, he noticed that the complainant, who was eight years old at the time, was with her two young sisters, aged six and four, while their mother was not around. The accused person then called the complainant to her bedroom where he ordered her to remove all her clothes and lie on the bed,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said the accused allegedly raped the minor before threatening to kill her if she disclosed the abuse.
She said he later relocated to Bulawayo and the victim only reported the incident to her mother on July 14 this year, leading to the accused’s arrest.
Inspector Msebele commended the public for assisting in the arrests but urged parents, particularly mothers, to be cautious about whom they leave their children with.
“Not all men are trusted, even relatives are potential rapists. We reiterate that Bulawayo is not a hiding hub for criminals committing crimes in other places,” she warned.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
