A shocking case of incest has left residents of Chiguhune village in Gutu, in Masvingo province – south of Zimbabwe, reeling. A 50-year-old man has allegedly been repeatedly caught having sexual relations with his biological daughter, resulting in two children.
The matter, reported to both the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and the police late last year, is causing widespread concern due to the perceived slow pace of the investigation.
Village head, Patrick Madziva, confirmed the disturbing allegations, stating that the abuse began when the daughter was just 16 years old.
“Yes, the girl was abused since she was 16. Her little sisters are in hiding because of fear of the father who is known for being violent,” he said.
The daughter, now 25, has two children aged eight and four, both allegedly fathered by her own father. The accused’s elder brother corroborated the claims, stating that the family intervened and removed the daughter from the home after numerous reports of the sexual abuse.
The two young sisters, both Form Four students, have been removed from the family home for their safety, fearing further abuse from their violent father. However, their absence from school since the beginning of the term has prompted villagers to express concern about the impact on their education. Villagers are urging the police and the ZGC to expedite the investigation to allow the children to return to a normal life.
The 25-year-old victim is currently residing alone with her two children at a relative’s home. Shamwari Yemwanasikana director, Ekenia Chifamba, criticised this arrangement, highlighting the Department of Social Welfare’s responsibility to intervene and provide appropriate care for the children.
“I am rather put aback by the fact that these children have been given to relatives to take care of them. The Department of Social Welfare should have taken over such a case because they are qualified to deal with such matters. The abused girl and even her little sisters may end up with health issues,” she explained.
The accused father, whose name The Mirror is withholding to protect the identity of the victim, denied the allegations in a telephone interview. However, the evidence presented by the village head, the accused’s brother, and his wife paints a disturbing picture of prolonged and systematic abuse.
The slow progress of the investigation has also frustrated villagers. Madziva reported that a previous report to the local police station yielded no results, further highlighting the need for swift and decisive action.
The ZGC CEO, Virginia Muwanigwa, stated that she could only comment after receiving an update from the investigating officer. Despite repeated attempts, The Mirror was unable to reach Masvingo Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, for comment.
