A 14-YEAR-OLD Chikomba girl, who was impregnated while doing her Grade 7 at a local school, recently gave birth to a bouncing baby girl.
The girl (name withheld), who is in the custody of her relatives, reportedly revealed that she was sexually abused by eight men, including close relatives in Chikomba East constituency.
NewsDay Weekender broke the news of the sexual abuse last month, but police are yet to arrest the suspects.
The Primary and Secondary Education ministry is also aware of the girl’s plight.
It has since emerged that the girl was the highest performer after scoring 18 units despite spending the greater part of her Grade 7 pregnant.
“She is bright. She emerged the highest student after scoring 18 units,” a source at her former primary school told this publication.
Keep Reading
- Editorial Comment : Our laws protect the cow more than the girl child
- Zim designer shines at African Women Designers Week
- An impassioned plea to Zim parents
- Political will needed to fight child marriages
“Had it not been that she was pregnant, maybe she was going to score better results.”
The case was reported at Madamombe Police and some suspects have been reportedly summoned for questioning.
Initially, police and government officials in the province said they delayed arresting the suspects as they wanted to allow the victim to complete her final Grade 7 examinations.
After the examinations, no arrests were made despite the victim having identified her abusers.
According to a relative, police changed goal posts saying they were waiting for the girl to give birth so that they could conduct some DNA tests to apprehend the culprit.
“The police said they were waiting for her to give birth so that they conduct some DNA tests as per the process to conclude the matter,” the relative said.
According to villagers, some of the suspects have already left the area.
Local traditional leader, Headman Madamombe, confirmed reports of one of the lead suspects fleeing from the area.
“The last time I interacted with the police, they told me that one of the suspects, who the victim is pointing as the one behind the pregnancy, has left for South Africa,” Madamombe said.
“The problem is that once the matter is in the hands of the police, our influence has some limit.
“Now that the victim has given birth, we will see how best we can move on and ensure that the matter be concluded.”
An education officer told NewsDay Weekender that the Primary and Secondary Education ministry had since arranged that the girl be enrolled at the local secondary school.
The girl is also reportedly now in the hands of Camfed who are taking care of her educational welfare.
A close relative yesterday told this publication that police had not acted, thereby causing confusion as to whether the matter will be concluded.
“We haven’t heard from police for some time. They spoke of DNA tests and up to now, nothing has happened,” the relative said.
“Yes, she has given birth, but those taking care of her are contemplating taking her to Mutare for reasons best known to them.
“Some are proposing that she be sent to her paternal family. There is confusion in the whole issue.”
Mashonaland East provincial education director Annatoria Ncube and provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachii were not available for comment yesterday.
The victim has named her baby as Truth.
Maybe one day, the truth shall set her and everyone close to her free.