Class assignment unearths rape ordeal. . .stepfather forces himself on 13-year-old girl

03 Feb, 2025 - 00:02 0 Views
Class assignment unearths rape ordeal. . .stepfather forces himself on 13-year-old girl Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

A CLASSROOM assignment at a primary school in Mahatshula suburb in Bulawayo led to the disclosure of a harrowing three-time rape ordeal experienced by a 13-year-old girl at the hands of her stepfather, who sexually assaulted her while her mother was watching television in the next room.

The rape case came to light when the girl gave a detailed account of the sexual abuse incidents in a class assignment.

The 49-year-old stepfather, whose name has been withheld has since been arrested for allegedly raping his stepdaughter.

He is also accused of threatening to stab her if she revealed the disturbing events.

Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, stating that on 20 January 2025, a primary school in Mahatshula, in collaboration with a local organisation conducted a programme focused on identifying experiences of physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and gender-based violence, among students aged 10 to 14.

On 23 January 2025 at around noon, a female teacher instructed the pupils to write about any violence they had experienced.

The 13-year-old girl from Mahatshula South recorded her information under the heading, “My step-father abused me at night.”

The following day, the teacher reviewed the girl’s paper where she noticed the emotional blow-by-blow account and sought further clarification.

The girl revealed that her stepfather had indeed raped her three times a week since 4 December 2024.

The teacher promptly reported the matter to the school head, who advised her to take the child for a medical examination.

Asst Insp Msebele added, “The teacher accompanied the child to the police, where they filed a report. During the interview, the child recounted being in her stepfather’s bedroom on 4 December 2024, watching video games on his cell phone when he covered her mouth and raped her. Her mother and younger sister were in the sitting room watching television at the time.”

After the sexual assault, the stepfather allegedly threatened to stab her if she spoke out. The abuse continued for weeks until the truth came to light through the school assignment.

The stepfather was subsequently arrested.

Asst Insp Msebele applauded the school and the collaborating organisation for their role in creating an environment where the child felt safe to disclose her abuse. She also urged parents, especially mothers, to monitor the behaviour of their daughters and avoid leaving them with untrustworthy relatives.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a tragic workplace accident at a Belmont West company claimed the life of 51-year-old truck driver, Proud Mashava from Cowdray Park.

According to Asst Insp Msebele, the accident occurred around 3pm when Mashava was attempting to jack up a truck.

While working beneath the vehicle, the hydraulic jack slipped causing the truck to fall on him.

Despite a quick response from his colleagues who used a forklift to lift the truck, Mashava succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Police officers were alerted and they attended the scene. They noted blood coming from the deceased’s mouth and nose and his body was transported to the hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Asst Insp Msebele emphasised the need for individuals who work with heavy machinery and equipment to prioritise safety through proper positioning and regular maintenance of devices to prevent similar tragedies. — @nyeve14

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