Ruwa family still looking for missing girl (12)

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

A Ruwa family is still desperately looking for information that might assist in locating a 12-year-old child who went missing some 15 months ago.

Abigail Maricano left Ruwa destined for Mabvuku, just down the road, to visit her sister Idah in March last year. She was last seen boarding a blue Toyota Wish at Samutoko bus terminus.

The girl was in Grade Six at Tashinga Primary School in Mabvuku when she went missing on 14 March. Her father, Mr Alick Maricano, said he has been having sleepless nights since last year.

“This is a painful situation. l do not know where my child is and what happened to her but my wish is to see my daughter again,” Mr Maricano.

Mr Maricano said anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Abigail should report at any police Station or call him on 0773026 674 or 0712 723285.

Following reports of similar cases, the ZRP is on record warning the public against boarding private cars as many are falling prey to robbers who are offering lifts to pedestrians before robbing them of their valuables on the way. The police have also warned against boarding unregistered private vehicles at undesignated points

Recently, two teenagers aged 13 and 14 were reported missing in separate incidents in Harare and Ruwa under unclear circumstances and police are appealing for information that might assist in locating them. The two are Wright Mukuze (13) who attends Timire Primary School in Ruwa and Nyasha Mugadza (14) who attends Prince of Peace College in the Ushewokunze Area.

There are various reasons that led to the missing of children and trends that are common relate to disputes in homes which resulted in children running away, eloping or generally seeking employment without alerting parents or guardians. This is besides any kidnapping.

The most contributing factor to missing children was a lack of supportive and functional families, followed by peer influence. Studies indicate that family crisis such as divorce, separation, abuse and neglect are all factors which increase the risk of children running away or missing from home.

Fear for the child’s safety, worry and anxiety were the most common feelings that most parents encounter. Parents relied heavily on social support such as families, neighbours, friends of their children, and the police to locate missing children. Seeking information and visiting children’s favourite places appeared as important strategies used by parents.