By A Correspondent- The water crisis bedevilling urban settlements has seen a 17-year-old-girl from Mucheke Suburb in Masvingo being rap_ed at knife point after going to fetch water at around midnight last week.

The girl reported the case at Chikato Police Station and a medical examination has confirmed the rap_e.

Masvingo Acting Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said that investigations are underway and advised people to walk in groups when they have errands at night.

Women’s Coalition in Zimbabwe Masvingo branch chairperson, Joyce Mhungu said council must quickly address water shortage as it spells more disaster for women and girls.

Dhewa said that the girl was on her way back home from fetching water at Yeukai Business Centre when a man armed with a knife suddenly clutched her from behind. The girl screamed but the suspect pulled out a kitchen knife and threatened to kill her.

The rap_ist allegedly dragged the girl into a secluded area near the Presbyterian Church and rap_ed the girl once before he sped away.

Masvingo is facing a water crisis that has seen few areas receiving the precious liquid, but this only comes after midnight. Women and children have to wake up early every morning to collect water from boreholes and public tapes.

This has left the vulnerable exposed to thugs that loiter at night.

“Parents and guardians must accompany juveniles when going out, even when they are running errands especially during the evening,” said Dhewa.

-Mirror