Three teenage boys, aged 16, 18, and 19, appeared before a Chiredzi magistrate last week facing serious rape charges.
The trio are accused of the brutal sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, an incident that has lest Chiredzi shellshocked.
The court heard that the attack occurred on 29 December 2024. The young girl was walking home along a footpath when she encountered the three teenagers. Upon seeing them, she attempted to flee, but one of the boys tripped her, causing her to fall. They then dragged her to a nearby tree, where they bound her hands.
The court heard harrowing details of the subsequent assault. The three boys allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the young girl while she was restrained. Following the horrific attack, the perpetrators went into hiding.
Despite the trauma she endured, the 13-year-old girl managed to free herself from the tree. She then returned home and bravely reported the incident to her parents. The matter was immediately reported to the police, who launched an investigation. The girl’s positive identification of her attackers was a crucial element in the subsequent arrests.
The three teenagers were apprehended and brought before the Chiredzi magistrate. They were remanded in custody until 10 January, pending further court proceedings. The case highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to protect children from sexual violence and to bring perpetrators to justice. The details of the case are particularly disturbing given the ages of both the victim and the accused.
