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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
AN injiva’s wife (25) has been arrested for allegedly forcing a 14-year-old relative to have sex with her, resulting in her falling pregnant.

Francina Phiri, of Mbamba area under Chief Mahlathini in Tsholotsho, who is about four months pregnant, told investigators she abused the minor because she was starved of sex.   She said she failed to contain her desire after her husband stayed for a long time without visiting her.

Police arrested Phiri on Thursday for aggravated indecent assault. Sources yesterday said she is out of custody but will appear in court on Monday.

A family member who preferred anonymity said Phiri whose husband works in South Africa started abusing the boy in September last year. “The boy told a family member that Phiri called him to her bedroom demanding sex.

“Francina told family members that her husband had been away for a long time and she couldn’t hold herself anymore. She said she finally decided to do it with the boy,” said the relative.

The relative said the incident had come as a great shock to the family, considering the age of the boy who is still in school and the fact that the two are related.

A villager, Minyeni Dliwayo said the affair was a disgraceful scandal for the community.

“Falling pregnant was a curse from God who wanted to reveal this woman was abusing the boy. She should have followed her husband although somehow I blame these injivas for leaving their young wives for too long.”

“I’m not condoning her actions but she could have gone for an older man rather than ruin a young boy’s future,” said Dliwayo.

Ward 15 councillor Ishmael Dube said sexual abusers deserved to rot in jail.

“People should learn that sexual abuse is a serious crime. I urge children to always reveal such issues to their parents before it’s too late,” said the councillor.

Cllr Dube said children should not be afraid of threats from “monsters who abuse them” but should tell their parents or guardians as soon as they are attacked.