Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A TEENAGE student has allegedly been subjected to rape, on multiple occasions, sometimes at knife point, by her stepfather in a period stretching over SIX years.
The student is now 15.
Jonathan Takwilo, 48, of Hatcliffe, was arrested on Monday after his wife’s daughter finally gathered the courage to disclose the abuse to a church member.
According to reports, in 2020, while the student’s mother was at work, Takwilo allegedly summoned the girl to his bedroom and raped her without protection.
He allegedly told her he was “teaching” her what she would do when she grew up and got married.
He drew an okapi knife, which he showed the girl, and threatened to kill her if she reported the matter to anyone.
He repeated the abuse on a number of occasions, with the latest one coming on Wednesday last week.
“The matter came to light when she started showing signs of pregnancy,” said one of the church members.
The church member said the victim’s state aroused suspicion and the girl later disclosed the abuse.
He added that Takwilo allegedly tried to flee but community members apprehended him, leading to his arrest.
The victim’s mother confirmed that the case was reported under RRB 6828668 at Borrowdale Police Station. She said her husband is expected to appear in court today.
“I never suspected anything until one of our church members told me,” she said, breaking down in tears.
She added that the allegations have affected her daughter’s life and education.
The student is currently in Form 3.
“This is so cruel,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu