In an astounding case of child abuse, a 17-year-old boy from Buhera is under Police investigation for allegedly raping a three-year-old toddler whom he left with a fractured pelvis.

The rape was perpetrated in June 2018 in Nyanzira Village under Chief Nyashanu but sources said the case could not proceed beyond ZRP Police Station because an understanding was made by families to let the case die.

The mother of the child who cannot be named in order to protect the minor almost committed suicide when she saw her daughter failing to walk or stand because of the alleged abuse. The boy who allegedly raped the girl stayed with the toddler’s family.

The matter was reopened by Buhera Musasa Safe Shelter.

Musasa Shelter Administrator, Florence Chinanga confirmed the case to The Mirror and said her organisaion is doing everything possible to ensure that the accused is arrested. She also said that her organization is counseling the complainant’s mother and is assisting the abused child with medical help.

Musasa Shelter is an organisation for the protection of the girl child.

Chinanga said that although the case happened in June 2018, it was only brought to her organisation’s attention in February 2019.

The case is now being dealt with by Musasa Safe Shelter; Rujeko Home based Care and Buhera District Social Welfare and Women Affairs Buhera.

“We urge families not to hide away such cases where perpetrators destroy a child’s future because of selfish desires. We are going to make sure the culprit faces the wrath of the law and the child kept in a safe place where she is monitored.

Sources said that the matter came out when the mother saw her child failing to walk or stand on her own. The toddler told her what happened and the rape was confirmed at the hospital.

Mirror