Girls lured into sexual abuse for US$1

The Burma Valley farming community, about 52 kilometres east of Mutare, is facing growing concern over the alleged sexual exploitation of schoolgirls, with reports that some minors are being lured into abusive sexual relationships for as little as US$1.

An investigation by The Manica Post into child sexual abuse in the banana-growing area uncovered allegations that school-going children, including primary school learners, are being targeted by adult men who exploit their vulnerability.

A phrase reportedly gaining currency in parts of the community, "dollar for two", allegedly refers to the small amounts of money used by some perpetrators to lure girls into sexual encounters.

Community members say poverty, overcrowded living conditions, weak reporting mechanisms and social pressures are exposing children in farming compounds to increased risks of abuse.

Local farmer Mrs Lucia Mbetsa said the problem was partly linked to living conditions and family circumstances within farming compounds.

"The cases of sexual abuse here are very serious. It starts with the living arrangements. In many cases, the father, mother and children share a single room. By the time a child reaches Grade Five or Six, she may already have been exposed to things beyond her age.

"Another common challenge is when a mother leaves a child in the care of a boyfriend. Tragedy often strikes when the child is left alone with someone who is not a biological parent," she said.

Mbetsa also raised concern over relationships between young girls and significantly older men.

"It is heart-breaking to see children as young as 12 cohabiting with adults. I would not even call it marriage because there are no formal processes involved. These are children being abused by adults, and such arrangements rarely last," she said.

Farm worker Ms Miriam Khumalo said some adult men allegedly use small amounts of money to target schoolgirls.

"Sexual abuse of schoolgirls is rampant. Some perpetrators use money, sometimes as little as US$1, to entice young girls. In fact, they call it ‘dollar for two'. Some girls leave home claiming they are going to school, but instead spend the day at the homes of these men.

"It is a tragic situation because the future of these girls is being destroyed through early sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies and school dropouts," she said.

Children attending Valhala, Musapa and Kaswa primary schools and Mazonwe Secondary School are reportedly among those exposed to the problem. Similar concerns have also been raised in neighbouring Chigodora, involving learners at Gombakomba Primary and Gombakomba Secondary schools.

Community members said school dropouts, teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections were becoming increasingly worrying trends in the area.

A local nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said health workers were recording increasing numbers of teenage pregnancies and STI cases.

"We are seeing an increase in STIs and teenage pregnancies in Burma Valley. Sadly, some of the affected individuals are school-going minors," the nurse said.

Legislator and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs, Community and SME Development chairperson Honourable Getrude Mutandi said the allegations highlighted the need for stronger child-protection measures in farming communities.

"It is disturbing that many cases of sexual abuse are swept under the carpet in the name of family honour, religion or social considerations. This culture of silence must end.

"We must protect the girl child and ensure she reaches her full potential. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse belong behind bars, and we will continue pushing for stronger action against offenders," she said.

Shamwari YeMwanasikana programmes officer Ms Patience Kaerezi described child sexual abuse and child marriages in Burma Valley as a serious child-protection concern requiring a coordinated response.

She said specific statistics for Manicaland still needed to be verified, but community-level evidence pointed to poverty, school dropouts, harmful social norms, limited access to services and weak reporting mechanisms as factors that could increase children's vulnerability.

"Farming communities face unique vulnerabilities because children live in compounds where many families reside in close proximity, while parents spend long hours at work. Economic dependency can also discourage families from reporting abuse, especially where the alleged perpetrator has financial influence within the community," she said.

Kaerezi said fear, stigma, intimidation and attempts to resolve cases informally could also contribute to underreporting.

"It is important not to assume that reported cases reflect the full extent of the problem. We need stronger safeguarding systems, confidential reporting mechanisms and closer collaboration among police, schools, health institutions, social welfare departments, traditional leaders, farm management and civil society organisations.

"Children must be protected, listened to and connected to appropriate support and justice services," she said.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education chief director for Manicaland Mr Richard Gabaza could not be reached for comment.

However, the ministry's Director for Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said combating child sexual abuse required a coordinated government response.

"This is a collective responsibility, with Local Government playing a key role. Our mandate is to educate learners about the dangers associated with early sexual activity and empower them to make informed decisions," he said.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said police would continue working with communities and other stakeholders to combat sexual abuse and protect vulnerable children.

"We strongly condemn all harmful practices targeting children, particularly girls. Children living in farming compounds deserve the same protection and opportunities as any other child in the province.

"The responsibility for safeguarding children does not rest with parents alone. It is a collective duty involving guardians, farm owners, employers, teachers, churches, traditional leaders, social services and law enforcement agencies," he said.

Chinyoka urged adults to create safe environments for children and report suspected abuse to authorities immediately.

"Adults must respect children's boundaries, avoid situations that place minors at risk and report alleged abuse rather than attempting to resolve such cases informally.

"Children should never be blamed for sexual abuse, and schools must remain vigilant because teachers are often among the first trusted adults to whom victims disclose their experiences," he said.