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Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]

THE Department of Social Development has launched an investigation into an alleged rape of two sisters aged seven and four by their 13-year-old brother in a child-headed family of five in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South.

The case has, however, been complicated by the South African-based mother of the complainants who reportedly took custody of the two minors soon after the matter came to light and before a police report was made.

The two girls were taken to the clinic and were referred to Plumtree District Hospital before being whisked to their mother to South Africa.

The matter came to light when the accused’s elder brothers allegedly caught him red-handed raping his four-year-old sister.

The five children are aged 18, 16, 13, seven and four. Only the seven-year-old is reported to have been going to school.

The family was initially based in Gokwe before relocating to the mother’s paternal homestead in Bulilima sometime this year. Neighbours said the homestead where the minors stay is in ruins.

They also expressed shock at the incident and lamented the fact that the children are staying alone after their mother left for South Africa.

Contacted for comment, the officer commanding Bulilima-Mangwe, chief superintendent Cabinet Thomas, said they were yet to receive a report.

“We did not receive the report. We appeal to members of the public to bring criminal matters to the police for investigation,” he said.

Matabeleland South Department of Social Development head, Mr Chriswell Nyakudya confirmed the incident and said their team visited the family and has since opened a case.

He said it was unfortunate that the mother took the children to South Africa before the matter was investigated.

“Our officers visited the homestead and we have since opened a file for the family. The two victims are now in SA and the alleged abuser is recovering from the beating,” said Mr Nyakudya.–@themkhust