Dalphine Tagwireyi
The nine-year-old child from Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe who gave birth to a baby girl earlier this month was not made pregnant by her father, as previously thought.
In a dramatic twist to a tragic story, DNA test results showed that she was in fact impregnated by her 13-year-old cousin.
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo first conducted tests of the minor’s father and three other male older relatives and the results came out negative.
Further DNA tests were conducted of selected relatives who had associated with the child.
The 13-year-old father was taken in for counselling by the Victim Friendly Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after his results matched with the baby’s.
Police have said that although the nine-year-old’s father isn’t responsible for the pregnancy, he has not been exonerated as he has been accused of allegedly abusing the minor.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The minor was not able to reveal who the father of the baby is. That’s why we resorted to conducting DNA tests. It was part of our investigations, which will continue.”
A social worker who spoke to Scrolla.Africa said that it’s highly unlikely that the 13-year-old will be arrested, as he is also regarded as a minor.
“I would highly recommend that the police work together with other stakeholders to ensure rehabilitation for both minors, because if it’s handled as a justice issue, the father of the infant might be charged — which isn’t the appropriate solution,” she said.
A care plan had been formulated for the minor, her mother and the infant, according to Simon Masanga, the permanent secretary in the ministry of public service, labour and social welfare.
“The conclusion of the police investigation will be instrumental in determining the next steps for the minor so that she can be able to go back to school. It’s highly unlikely it will be in Tsholotsho as she will face a lot of stigma,” he said.
Pictured above: The nine-year-old minor from Tsholotsho at a foster home
Picture source: Supplied
