Grade 6 learner sexually abused by uncle, 40, cous...

Grade 6 learner sexually abused by uncle, 40, cousin and classmate, is 6 months’ pregnant

Zim Now Writer

A Grade Four pupil from Kaitano Primary School in Nyanga is six months’ pregnant after being sexually abused by her uncle, 40, a cousin, 23, as well as her 15-year-old classmate.

The victim, who turned 13 on January 6, is continuing with her lessons in line with the government's policy.

The abusers were identified as Alison Mabvundisa, Joseph Mabota-Mabvumba and a 15-year-old teenager (name withheld).

Manicaland Provincial Education Director Edward Shumba said pregnant girls are allowed to continue with their education.

The uncle, who is an artisanal gold miner, is believed to have sexually abused the minor as a way to boost his gold mining initiatives, a ritual act known as kupinga gomba.

This is done with the help of traditional healers.

The victim’s father said they were summoned to school and informed about the pregnancy.

“We are being assisted to handle the matter by a local child care worker and we have been to the clinic with her. She is six months’ pregnant now.

“The school allowed her to continue attending lessons and will only be excused to give birth. She will continue with her education soon afterwards. Her uncle is said to be the one responsible for the pregnancy.

“I have not talked to him. He is no longer coming to this side. My daughter also mentioned that she was intimate with two other people and this complicates the whole issue,” he said.

The local child care worker, Dudzai Matiwenga said the matter was reported to the police, adding that the suspects were briefly arrested before they were released.

“I received the report of this child’s pregnancy after the school authorities referred her to the clinic. Teachers discovered that she is pregnant during a sports event.

“When I contacted the Social Services Department, I was advised to take the child to the police. The father had to sell a goat to raise the bus fare for us to go to the police. Unfortunately, the child has difficulties in explaining what really happened to her.

“Two of the alleged perpetrators, the teenager and Mabota-Mabvumba were initially arrested, but have since been released. When we went to the clinic, we were told that it is too late to terminate the pregnancy.

“The child told us that she was in love with her schoolmate and Mabota-Mabvumba. She said the schoolmate was her long-time boyfriend. She said he would visit her at home and pressure her to be intimate with him several times.

“She also told us that she met Mabota-Mabvumba on her way from fetching water while he was going to the tuck-shop. They got intimate that day. Later, the issue of her uncle, who is in his late 40s, then surfaced,” she said.

Matiwenga said she is now facing threats from families of the accused persons.