Tsholotsho 9-year old mother's father may still face rape charges after court frees him

Zim Now Writer

The National Prosecuting Authority has indicated that the father of the nine-year old Tsholotsho mother may still have rape charges preferred him after Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira on Monday freed him.

In delivering his ruling magistrate Dzira cited the results of the DNA tests which proved that the nine year-old had been impregnated by her 13-year old cousin.

“The state has decided to set you free since the DNA results from NUST have proven you innocent. The court hereby withdraws the charges laid against you,” he said.

However, the National Prosecution Authority has said the 27 year-old father may still have charges of rape to answer.

The case has had many twists and turns starting with the arrest of the father in August. A local traditional leader then said there was need to look into a male relative who had lived with the family during the period that the girl had fallen pregnant.

A trained foster mother said the girl had told her that the girl's father had told the minor that a spiritual entity entered the bedroom at night and raped her.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/1490/father-of-9-year-old-tsholotsho-mother-still-in-custody-to-appear-in-court-this-week

Prior to the minor delivering her baby and DNA tests being carried out, the police had already indicated that there were multiple suspects,  issuing a statement saying that they had widened the net and also stating the case was complicated.