Terrence Mawawa, Gweru | A man from Mberengwa raped his four year old daughter in full view of his other children, in a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community.
Morgan Chamboko of Hlupeko village, raped his own daughter as the child’s two siblings watched.
Chamboko appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate Morgan Nemadire last week. He was charged with rape.
The incident happened on January 3 when the child’s mother had left the house to fetch some water. The child came out of the kitchen to pass urine outside the house and she began to scream.
When the child’s mother returned from the well, the minor said her father had raped her in the presence of her two brothers. The latter two confirmed the incident.
“On January 3 at around 10 am, I left the house to fetch water about 300 metres from home. I left the accused person, the complainant and the two other children at home. When I returned, I found the complainant sitting in the kitchen with her two brothers. She narrated the incident and I examined her. I noticed the redness of her vulva and some vaginal discharge and I reported the matter at Buchwa Police Station, leading to his arrest,” said the child’s mother.
The complainant was taken to Zvishavane General Hospital for a medical examination and it was confirmed there was penetration.
Chamboko was found guilty and he was sentenced to 18 years in prison. However three years were suspended for five years. He will therefore serve 15 years in jail.
Children’s rights groups have expressed grave concern at the increase in number of such cases of men sexually abusing minors.