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Gibson Mhaka
GRANDPARENTS are often seen as loving and nurturing figures, offering a safe haven for their grandchildren.
It’s a role deeply rooted in trust and affection. Sadly, some grandparents betray this trust and become perpetrators of sexual abuse.
In a heartbreaking betrayal that has shocked villagers in Kawindi in the Lusulu area under Chief Sinamagonde in Binga, Matabeleland North, an 83-year-old man reportedly took turns with his 18-year-old grandson to allegedly rape his eight-year-old great-granddaughter on several occasions.
Circumstances to the disturbing incident which apparently highlights the devastating impact of sexual abuse, particularly when it’s perpetrated by those who are supposed to protect children are that sometime in September 2024 the victim went to her grandfather’s hut to serve him food.
While inside the elderly man whose name is being withheld to protect the victim forcefully removed her clothes and ordered her to lay down while facing upwards.
It is alleged that the seemingly unsuspecting girl complied, and the elderly man exploited the opportunity by undressing and allegedly having sexual intercourse with her. Reportedly, after the abuse, he threatened her not to tell anyone. It is alleged that the elderly man continued to sexually assault her on several occasions, whenever she went to his bedroom hut to bring him food.
It is also reported that in the same month, the elderly man’s grandson, who is also a cousin to the victim, was sleeping in the same bedroom with her.
While the victim was asleep, he woke up, got into her blankets, forcibly undressed her, and had sexual intercourse with her.
From that point on, the man began sexually abusing the victim by regularly sneaking into her blankets.
The matter however, came to light when the victim, who could no longer endure the abuse, revealed it to a relative, who then reported the matter to the police. This led to the arrest of the elderly man and his grandson.
The two had since appeared before Binga resident magistrate Victor Mpofu charged with rape. They were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to 25 November 2024.
Online Reporter