Masvingo – A disturbing case of incest and attempted murder has unfolded in Ward 2, Chiguhune, Gutu, leaving the community reeling. Ignatius Dzvokora (52) is currently under investigation by the Gender Commission for allegedly raping his biological daughter and fathering two children with her. He is now hospitalised after attempting suicide following an assault on his daughter.
The incident occurred on Monday last week when Dzvokora allegedly attacked his daughter after she received a phone call. Dzvokora demanded to know the identity of the caller, but his daughter, whose name is being withheld for ethical reasons, asserted her right to privacy.
Enraged by her refusal, Dzvokora allegedly grabbed a hoe handle and struck her on the head, causing her to fall unconscious. Following the assault, Dzvokora, now remanded in prison for attempted murder, ingested poison in a bid to take his own life. He was subsequently admitted to Gutu Mission Hospital, where Magistrate Marecha of Gutu conducted the initial court appearance on Wednesday last week. Dzvokora was handcuffed to the hospital bed and remanded in prison until 3 June 2025.
The daughter remains hospitalised, recovering from the assault.
This latest incident follows earlier reports of Dzvokora’s alleged long-term abuse of his daughter. Masvingo Mirror initially broke the story, revealing that Dzvokora has allegedly been raping his now 25-year-old daughter since she was 16. It is suspected that two children are the result of this incestuous relationship. However, the financially constrained Gender Commission has been unable to raise the US$400 required for DNA testing, effectively stalling the investigation.
This shocking case first came to light in January this year, leaving residents of Chiguhune village in Gutu in disbelief. The matter was reported to both the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and the police late last year, sparking widespread concern due to the perceived slow pace of the investigation.
Village head, Patrick Madziva, confirmed the disturbing allegations, stating that the abuse began when the daughter was just 16 years old. “Yes, the girl was abused since she was 16. Her little sisters are in hiding because of fear of the father who is known for being violent,” he said.
The daughter, now 25, has two children aged eight and four, both allegedly fathered by her own father. The accused’s elder brother corroborated the claims, stating that the family intervened and removed the daughter from the home after numerous reports of the sexual abuse.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, even Dzvokora’s wife confirmed to The Mirror that she had witnessed her husband sleeping with the girl on several occasions.
The two young sisters, both Form Four students, have been removed from the family home for their safety, fearing further abuse from their father. However, their absence from school since the beginning of the term has prompted villagers to express concern about the impact on their education. Villagers are urging the police and the ZGC to expedite the investigation to allow the children to return to a normal life.
The 25-year-old victim is currently residing alone with her two children at a relative’s home. Shamwari Yemwanasikana director, Ekenia Chifamba, criticised this arrangement, highlighting the Department of Social Welfare’s responsibility to intervene and provide appropriate care for the children.
“I am rather put aback by the fact that these children have been given to relatives to take care of them. The Department of Social Welfare should have taken over such a case because they are qualified to deal with such matters. The abused girl and even her little sisters may end up with health issues,” she explained.
The slow progress of the investigation has frustrated villagers. Madziva reported that a previous report to the local police station yielded no results, further highlighting the need for swift and decisive action.
The ZGC CEO, Virginia Muwanigwa, stated that she could only comment after receiving an update from the investigating officer. Despite repeated attempts, The Mirror was unable to reach Masvingo Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, for comment at the time.
Rachel Murape is prosecuting the case. The community now awaits further developments in this deeply troubling case, hoping for justice and support for the victims.
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