By Dalphine Tagwireyi
A Zimbabwean girl from Tsholotsho district in Matabeleland North was raped and impregnated by a relative when she was eight years old.
The girl is currently eight months pregnant and has been admitted to United Bulawayo Hospital.
The minor is alleged to have been raped by a close relative and is now under the supervision of specialists who are monitoring her health.
The hospital’s acting CEO, Dr Harrison Rambanapasi, confirmed that the hospital has admitted the minor who is under observation, but given the delicacy of her condition, health and age, he said he couldn’t divulge further details.
A medical doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Ishmael Mhonde, attributed the rare case to a medical condition known as precocious puberty, which means that her hormone glands developed earlier than those of her peers.
“It’s a very rare case and it’s good that she is already under observation, as either way of birth, vaginal or caesarean, will be too traumatic for her as she is still a minor. Her pregnancy can go either way and it’s shocking she has carried it this far,” he said.
Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that investigations are currently underway to determine how the minor was abused. The Department of Social Welfare is involved in the investigations.
Zimbabwe is plagued with child pregnancies and marriages performed by certain apostolic religious sects who partake in home births to avoid arrests.
In another case in July, a 14-year-old minor was found dead at a shrine in Mutare, Manicaland province after her parents dumped her to be prayed for after she experienced labour pains.
Her parents were arrested and are now remanded in custody.
Pictured above: A pregnant minor who passed away at the shrine
Picture source: Newsflash
