News / National
Rogue youths target, rape elderly women
26 May 2025 at 08:34hrs | Views
A disturbing wave of sexual violence has rocked the normally quiet Chirau area in Zvimba, where a network of rogue youths has been sneaking into the homes of elderly women and committing rapes, leaving the community in shock.
The grim revelation came from Chief Chirau during a VIDCO meeting held at Kawondera Primary School, organised by the District Development Coordinator's office.
Chief Chirau confirmed to H-Metro that many of these attacks are carried out by youths under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"It's true, it's happening under my area of jurisdiction. Young people are getting drunk at traditional beer fests and, in their drunken stupor, sneaking into the homes of elderly people and shamelessly raping them. It is very sad, indeed, to inflict such trauma on a helplessly elderly person," said Chief Chirau.
The chief disclosed that plans are underway to halt evening traditional beer fests in the area, which he identified as the root of the problem.
"These beer fests are held in the evening and run late into the night. The drunken young men then terrorise and rape elderly people who have retired to bed. It pains me deeply," he said.
Chief Chirau also visited some of the victims, many of whom remain deeply traumatised and unable to recount their experiences, often breaking down in tears.
In response, the National Aids Council (NAC) Zvimba District AIDS Coordinator, Douglas Mwinga, stated that NAC is partnering with rural local authorities to tackle drug and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and school drop-outs in the district.
"As NAC, this year we plan to support 1,000 girl learners who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school due to financial challenges, in an effort to reduce risky behaviours that lead to HIV infection," said Mwinga.
The programme will target 55 schools across the district - 22 primary and 33 secondary schools - and includes comprehensive sexual education to empower young people with vital knowledge.
The community and local leaders now face the urgent challenge of addressing these violent acts and the underlying social issues fueling them, in hopes of restoring safety and dignity to vulnerable residents in Chirau.
The grim revelation came from Chief Chirau during a VIDCO meeting held at Kawondera Primary School, organised by the District Development Coordinator's office.
Chief Chirau confirmed to H-Metro that many of these attacks are carried out by youths under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"It's true, it's happening under my area of jurisdiction. Young people are getting drunk at traditional beer fests and, in their drunken stupor, sneaking into the homes of elderly people and shamelessly raping them. It is very sad, indeed, to inflict such trauma on a helplessly elderly person," said Chief Chirau.
The chief disclosed that plans are underway to halt evening traditional beer fests in the area, which he identified as the root of the problem.
"These beer fests are held in the evening and run late into the night. The drunken young men then terrorise and rape elderly people who have retired to bed. It pains me deeply," he said.
Chief Chirau also visited some of the victims, many of whom remain deeply traumatised and unable to recount their experiences, often breaking down in tears.
In response, the National Aids Council (NAC) Zvimba District AIDS Coordinator, Douglas Mwinga, stated that NAC is partnering with rural local authorities to tackle drug and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and school drop-outs in the district.
"As NAC, this year we plan to support 1,000 girl learners who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school due to financial challenges, in an effort to reduce risky behaviours that lead to HIV infection," said Mwinga.
The programme will target 55 schools across the district - 22 primary and 33 secondary schools - and includes comprehensive sexual education to empower young people with vital knowledge.
The community and local leaders now face the urgent challenge of addressing these violent acts and the underlying social issues fueling them, in hopes of restoring safety and dignity to vulnerable residents in Chirau.
Source - H-Metro
