Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter

NEW details have emerged over the mystery surrounding a nine year old girl from Masekesa village in Tsholotsho under Chief Gampu who is now eight months pregnant, amid revelations that the family lived with a young male relative who left a few months ago allegedly to seek for employment in one of the villages in the district.

The young girl who was just eight years old when she fell pregnant, with suspicions that she was raped, is set to give birth through a cesarean delivery on November 17 at United Bulawayo Hospitals.

The shocking incident led to the arrest of the girl’s biological father to assist police with investigations apparently as the only man who was living with the minor, but according to Chief Gampu, a young male used to stay with the family and left  some months ago in search of employment. He is said to have found employment at Dogwe village.

“I am not at all saying the young man is responsible for what happened, neither am I saying the father did not but it is known that the family was living with a young relative who I believe is related to the girl’s mother and maybe the police may actually want to interview him as well, just like they did to the father,” said Chief Gampu who has since condemned the heartbreaking predicament describing it as unacceptable.

He said society was expected to protect the young, innocent children instead of exposing them to such heinous acts.

The traditional leader said he was going to spearhead awareness campaigns in his area of jurisdiction and encouraged other traditional leaders to also embark on such programmes so as to encourage and inform people about concerns related to child abuse while encouraging them to speak out against such vices.