Heartless uncle repeatedly rapes minor while granny conceals cruelty
Heartless uncle repeatedly rapes minor while granny conceals cruelty
December 19, 2023
Choice News Africa Correspondent
Lupane – In a bizarre incident that will forever last in the minds of villagers, a cruel and heartless 52 year old uncle from Gandangula village in Lupane allegedly raped his 12 year old niece three times, while the grandmother conceals the torment.
Mhlophe Ndlovu, who is the complainant’s uncle and the supposed guardian to look after the minor, allegedly abused the girl over a period of one year and her grandmother told her to keep silent about the voluptuous attack.
The prosecutor, Mr Derick Ndlovu presented the situation to the court, stating that, “During an unknown date, at the third term of the 2022 school year, the accused illegally went to the minor’s homestead and had sexual contact with her without her approval.”
Mhlophe, the court heard, used the same style and tactic to abuse the defenseless for a second time, whose life has been put in danger by the grandmother who forced the minor to remain silent.
“When the grandmother returned home, the minor divulged the sexual abuse. However, the grandmother instructed the minor to remain silent. The child began missing school days due to the emotive pain caused by the issue of sexual abuse being taught in class.
Notwithstanding being a victim herself, the plaintiff could not bring herself to tell anyone,” said the prosecutor.
The prosecutor said teachers noticed the minor had become withdrawn, prompting them to investigate.
“One of the female teachers visited the complainant’s home and investigated about the reason for her absence from school. The complainant only revealed having a boyfriend but did not disclose her sexual abuse.
The school engaged Social Welfare to address the matter, but their attempts were unsuccessful. The complainant was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for a medical report, but she did not reveal the abuse,” the prosecutor added.
Mhlophe allegedly molested the minor for a third time, using the same technique.
“The child did not disclose to anyone until August 2023 when her grandmother passed away. It was at that point she decided to inform her father, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused perpetrator,” Mr Ndlovu expounded.
Magistrate Ms Talent Mutasa remanded Mhlophe in custody to 21 December when he is scheduled to appear before the Hwange Regional Court, and advised Mhlophe to seek bail at the High Court.