An Eight-Year-Old Girl Was Allegedly Raped and Impregnated in Bindura 

A shocking and heartbreaking story has emerged from a resettlement area in Bindura, where an eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped and impregnated by two teenage boys.

The headmaster of Kambira Primary School, Mr Gibson Chigamha, played a crucial role in getting the girl the help she needed. Concerned about her bulging stomach, he insisted on taking her to Bindura Hospital for a medical check-up. It was then discovered that she was pregnant after being sexually abused.

Despite her young age and traumatic experience, the minor remained quiet and isolated at school. The guidance and counselling teacher described her as a child who largely kept to herself. The school had even set aside sanitary pads for her use due to her early onset of menstruation.

The young girl, who started menstruating at just nine months old, is set to turn nine in June next year.

“When the child joined the school in Grade Two, her mother explained to us that she started menstrual cycles at nine months and she will miss school for three to four days to deal with her periods,” said the headmaster Mr Chigama who discovered something was wrong with wrong with the child before insisting that she be taken to the hospital.

“We set aside sanitary pads from our guidance and counselling so that she could use them whenever she needed them. A few months ago, we were advised that the child was not feeling well and was failing to relieve herself.”

“Her stomach started bulging, but everyone was convinced that she was sick and her mother took her to prophets for deliverance and healing,’ he continued.

The girl’s mother shared the heartbreaking story of how she had been dealing with her daughter’s menstruation since she was just nine months old. She recalled changing blood-stained nappies and seeking help from various sources including witch doctors.

“At nine months my baby changed and started menstruating. I was in Marondera where I went to a hospital where they said it was ‘normal.’ I was told that the baby was supposed to bleed at three days old and I was supposed to squeeze her breasts,” she said.

“I was advised to return if the problem persisted. The following month she menstruated again and I had to add cotton wool to her nappies. At this time, she was learning to walk.”

The mother expressed deep regret over not realising the extent of her daughter’s situation sooner. She revealed that she had even contemplated suicide due to the pain and anguish she felt over what had happened to her child.

“Last night I contemplated committing suicide. I am in pain. The future of my child has been destroyed. All I wish for is to relocate her from this area. I cannot imagine her life when she comes back,” she sobbed.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said the Department of Social Development was implementing the national case management system for the welfare and protection of children.

This tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and providing support to those who have experienced such horrific abuse. It is a call to action for communities to come together to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said the Department of Social Development was implementing the national case management system for the welfare and protection of children in such dire situations.

Shepherd Chabata

I am a humanitarian writer, photo and video journalist telling development and innovation stories across the continent. You can see more of my work on www.tambira.co.zw and www.muckrack.com/shepherd-chabata Send story ideas and tips to:

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