By A Correspondent- Two teenagers were plunged into distress after their uncles took turns to rape them at their homestead in Nkayi, Matabeleland North province.

The incident happened in 2006 when the then two teenage girls were aged 9 and 11 respectively.

Speaking on condition of anonymity a family insider said the older rape victim begrudged her uncles and once narrated their rape ordeal to her aunt while tears were streaming down her cheeks. But she convinced her to forgive them.

The tell-it-all family source said the two uncles were aged 22 and 24 respectively, took turns to rape the girls in 2006 when their grandmother had left to sell her wares in the villages.

“The pair went into their nieces’ bedroom and ordered the 11-year- old to undress before taking turns to rape her. After that the 22-year- old sexually assaulted the 9-year- old while his brother was watching,” said the family insider.

The source said when the granny returned the two minors reported the matter to her but she swept it under the carpet.

Last week on Tuesday her older uncle who raped them paid them a visit in Mahatshula suburb.

“She asked her uncle why they raped them and vowed to report  the matter to the police saying the matter was still etched  in her mind and she was bitter about it ,”said the source.

The family insider said she made a police report leading to the arrest of her uncle.

Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said: “We urge parents or guardians not to sweep issues like rape under the carpet but they have to expose the rapist even if they are related. We also urge victims to report cases within 72 hours so as to get post – exposure prophylaxis and also to get counselling.”