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Gibson Mhaka
WHEN a village head, a figure often seen as a pillar of the community and a custodian of traditional values, is accused of child abuse, it shatters the sense of safety and trust that communities rely on.
In a disturbing incident that left the community from the Nsezi area in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province, feeling betrayed and disillusioned, a 64-year-old village head Champion Gumbo from Sibambane Village was arrested for fondling an eight-year-old girl’s breasts and repeatedly dipping his fingers into her private parts on several occasions.
The seemingly traumatised girl, who had been repeatedly abused, was now reportedly refusing to run errands when her aunt ordered her to, fearing that the old man would be waiting for her along the way.
It is reported that on countless occasions in October and on dates the minor could not recall, Gumbo would approach her whenever she was assigned an errand by her aunt and called her to his homestead where he would touch her breasts and private parts.
It was proved on the first occasion that the victim’s aunt sent her to a nearby place to find a network signal for her cellphone.
During this errand, Gumbo spotted her when she was passing by his homestead, called her, and the victim complied.
While she was at his homestead he started touching her privates and fondling her breasts. After fondling her, Gumbo ordered her not to disclose the matter to anyone. The victim went home but did not reveal the matter to anyone.
Gumbo continued to abuse the victim on several occasions. He would stalk the victim whenever she would go to look for network and call her to his homestead, where he would fondle her breasts and private parts.
The matter came to light on 3 November 2024 when the victim was sent again to look for network and refused, saying the Gumbo was in the habit of abusing her. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
For the offence Gumbo was brought before Esigodini resident magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube charged with indecent assault.
He pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial. He was remanded out of custody pending sentencing.
Online Reporter