Teacher (47) rapes 14-year-old step-daughter

A Bulawayo primary school teacher has been arrested on allegations that he has impregnated his 14-year-old step-daughter after raping her for a year.

Police say the girl's plight came to light when her mother asked her who the father of the child she is carrying was.

"The girl, who is six months pregnant, then told her mom that her step-father was responsible for her situation," said police spokesperson.

"The girl said through her mom that the suspect raped her every time her mom left the two together to attend night vigils or night church services," he said.

The suspect, aged 47, and the girl's mother have been married for about eight years and have been living together in Mpopoma area since then.

The victim, according to sources, is the only child in the house and stayed with her mom and the suspect.

Our source said while it was not clear as to when the suspect started raping the girl, they concluded that this might have taken place between 2009 and 2010, based on the girl's statement.

The suspect has already appeared in the Bulawayo magistrate's court on a rape charge. The matter was postponed to next month for a bail hearing.

Teachers at the school reacted with shock at the news their colleague had been arrested for rape.