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. Whinsley Masara
CLUCK, cluck, hush on the rape!
A 61-year old man from Lupane was arrested for allegedly raping a minor, and silencing her with a hen.
The rape incident which allegedly occurred in June 2017, only came to light over the weekend after it was noticed the 10-year-old minor had developed genital warts.
The man from a village under Chief Mabhikwa, allegedly committed the crime during the absence of the minora��s mother.
A source who preferred anonymity said the mother of the minor, had gone to St Lukea��s Mission Hospital, when the stepfather to the minor decided to rape the girl.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the rape incident saying the suspect had been arrested.
a�?I can confirm we received a report of a rape case of an elderly man, a step father, who raped a 10-year-old girl in the absence of her mother.
a�?The mother had gone to the hospital and the man allegedly arrived at home, in a drunken state and raped the girl once, unprotected, while her 12-year-old brother slept next to her,a�? she said.
Insp Makonese said the suspect threatened the girl, ordering her not to reveal the matter to anyone and he promised her a hen which he later gave.
a�?We continue to warn members of the public not to leave children in the custody of males, whether related or not.
a�?Some people, especially men, have become dangerous and heartless in a way that as long when they see a female, no-matter the age, all they think of is sex. They would rather leave them anywhere else as long as it is in the custody of females,a�? she said.
A relative who spoke on condition of anonymity said the first rape incident occurred sometime in June.
She said they were not sure if the minor was only raped once.
a�?Sometime in June, the man who is a step-dad to the minor arrived at his wifea��s place at around 9pm and found the minor sleeping on the floor in their bedroom hut with her brother.
a�?The mother had gone to St Lukea��s Mission Hospital for a medical review when the father arrived at home drunk and raped the girl.
a�?He woke her up and demanded to have sexual intercourse with her and fearing him as the father figure, she complied. He stripped her and raped her once,a�? she said.
The source said he pleaded with the minor not to disclose the matter to anyone and gave her a chicken as payment.
a�?The minor did not tell anyone about the incident until the matter came to light when she developed some genital sores and had difficulties walking.
a�?Her mother questioned her until she revealed the matter,a�? she said.
The mother reported the matter to the police on Saturday and her husband was arrested.
The minor was referred to St Lukea��s Mission Hospital for medical examinations where she is receiving treatment.
Chief Mabhikwa confirmed the rape incident but said he had not yet received the full details of what transpired.
a�?I received the report of the rape incident but dona��t have much detail on the matter yet. It is disappointing to have such heartless elderly people in society. It is a serious crime to rape, and more serious and bad when done on a minor.
a�?By raping a minor, one disturbs their childhood and in some instance such as these ones, transmits diseases to them.
a�?Such mean people should be arrested and removed from society. We appeal for a crime free society and plead with members of the public to desist from such barbaric behaviours,a�? he said.
derick.khumalo