ZVIMBA – A dark cloud hangs over the Kutama area of Zvimba following the arrest of a 16-year-old boy accused of the heinous crime of raping an 85-year-old grandmother. The incident, which has left the local community reeling, allegedly occurred on August 17th at approximately 5 pm in Chief Gomwe’s village, within Chief Zvimba’s jurisdiction.
Due to his age, the suspect’s name is being withheld to protect his identity as a minor. The details surrounding the alleged crime are particularly disturbing, painting a picture of calculated deception and exploitation.
According to Mashonaland West police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, the teenager approached the elderly woman’s home under the guise of a humble vendor. His purported mission was to sell onions, but his true intentions, as alleged, were far more sinister.
“The boy went to the grandmother’s house pretending to sell onions and offered to trade her trousers for five kilograms of maize, in a dubious deal,” Inspector Kohwera explained. This seemingly innocuous offer, however, was allegedly a ploy to gain the woman’s trust and access to her property.
As the grandmother busied herself preparing the maize for the proposed trade, the situation took a horrifying turn, according to police reports.
Following the ordeal, the traumatised grandmother bravely confided in her son, who immediately rushed to the ZRP Kutama police station to report the crime. Swift action by law enforcement led to the immediate arrest of the accused teenager.
Inspector Kohwera expressed his concern over the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly citizens and urging the public to take greater responsibility for their safety and well-being.
“As the police, we encourage the public not to leave elderly people alone at their homes, regardless of whether they are men or women, in order to prevent such problems because there are some people who want to take advantage and do bad things to them,” he stated.
The police spokesperson further emphasised that this case is not an isolated incident, citing numerous reports of elderly individuals being targeted for robbery, arson, and other forms of abuse.
“There are many cases of elderly people being robbed while alone, and others being burnt in their homes after leaving fires unattended, as well as other various problems,” Insp Kohwera lamented.
He stressed the importance of treating the elderly with respect and dignity, recognising their invaluable contribution to society.
“The elderly are our foundation, so people should be treated well and not harassed,” said Insp Kohwera.
The arrest of the 16-year-old has sparked outrage and concern in Zimbabwe, prompting renewed calls for increased vigilance and protection of vulnerable members of society.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
