Man rapes girl (10) as punishment for refusing to share sweet reed

A 10-year-old girl from Esigodini in Matabeleland South was allegedly raped by an 18-year-old herdboy as punishment for refusing to share a sweet reed with him.

Matabeleland South province acting police spokesperson Sergeant Precious Mangena confirmed the incident, which occurred at Ntshene village in Chief Mabhena's area on 25 March.

Sgt Mangena said the juvenile was left in the custody of an 18-year-old herdboy while her parents were away.

"The two who were left together at home had a misunderstanding over sweet reeds, which ended up with the herdboy threatening to assault the juvenile," said Sgt Mangena.

She said the girl ran away to her spare bedroom.

"He followed her to the spare bedroom and after getting in he locked the door and proceeded to rape her once," said Sgt Mangena.

She said after the alleged rape, he went on to assault her.

"After that he threatened to assault her if she dared tell anyone about what had happened," said Sgt Mangena.

She said moments later the juvenile's sister in the company of her mother arrived home  and found the girl crying.

"She interviewed her and  the girl later revealed that  she was raped by the herdboy. The matter was then reported to Esigodini police leading  to his arrest," said Sgt Mangena.

She warned parents against leaving their children especially girls in the custody of male employees.

"We know that sometimes they trust their employees so much, but it is not advisable," said Sgt Mangena.