By Staff Reporter                                                                                         

GWERU – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has warned parents to be vigilant and avoid sending children alone to other people’s homes even if they are relatives.

The warning came following a disturbing increase in sodomy cases across the country has placed renewed focus on public safety, following the recent sentencing of a 25-year-old man to 16 years imprisonment for the aggravated indecent assault of a 7-year-old boy.

The latest conviction, handed down by the Regional Court, relates to an incident on August 14, 2025, when the accused attacked the juvenile after the child was sent to collect vegetables from his homestead.

The court heard that the man forcibly assaulted the victim and threatened him with violence to ensure his silence. The child later confided in his grandmother, leading to the perpetrator’s arrest.

Posting on its X handle, the NPA said sending children to people’s homes exposed them to great risk.

“This heinous crime highlights the importance of prioritizing children’s safety. Parents and guardians are urged to supervise children closely and maintain open lines of communication. Sending children alone to other people’s homes, even if they are neighbors, workers, or acquaintances, can expose them to great risk,” read the post.

This case is not isolated. It forms part of an alarming pattern of sexual violence emerging nationwide, with multiple recent prosecutions highlighting the vulnerability of victims even in trusted environments.

In one particularly shocking case, a church pastor was arrested for allegedly sodomizing a 22-year-old male congregant during what was described as a “spiritual cleansing session.” The victim reported that the clergyman had administered sedatives before assaulting him. The case remains before the courts.

In another incident, a 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly sodomizing a 10-year-old boy he had lured with sweets. The suspect remains in custody awaiting trial.

A 42-year-old clergyman received a 22-year prison sentence last year for repeatedly sodomizing two boys aged 9 and 11 whom he had recruited into his church’s junior choir. The abuse occurred over an eight-month period before being discovered.

In yet another case, a school security guard was arrested for assaulting a 13-year-old student on school premises after classes.

“The increasing number of these cases is deeply concerning,” said a representative from a local protection organization. “Perpetrators are often trusted community members who exploit their relationships with victims. We urge families to maintain heightened vigilance and open communication.”

Authorities attribute the rising reported cases to improved awareness and reporting mechanisms but emphasize that many incidents likely remain unreported due to stigma and fear.

The recent convictions demonstrate the judiciary’s firm stance on punishing offenders, though community leaders stress that prevention through education, supervision, and strong protection systems remains crucial to addressing this troubling trend.

By TellZim Reporter

Three former Ministry of Health and Child Care officials from Masvingo Provincial Hospital remain entangled in a protracted court case that has stretched over four years.

The accused, Helga Mano (former accountant), Dzotso Chimedza Hamphrey Gibbs (former procurement assistant), and Shadreck Zangairai (former principal human resources officer) were transferred in 2021 to the Provincial Medical Director’s office pending finalization of the case.

The prolonged trial is reportedly due to the repeated absence of the key witness, Dr. Noel Zulu, the then-acting Masvingo Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, who initially brought the complaint on behalf of the state.

According to a police docket obtained by TellZim News, the allegations date back to October 2021. Gibbs is accused of sourcing a quotation for a Whirlpool washing machine from TV Sales and Home amounting to US$1,468. On November 4, 2021, Mano allegedly facilitated an unauthorized cash withdrawal of the same amount from the hospital’s Banc ABC account. She instructed her subordinate, Pride Mupuwi, to withdraw the funds and make the payment.

Zangairai is said to have authorized the transaction by appending his signature, contravening the hospital’s banking agreement which required at least two signatories, including either the medical superintendent or the hospital matron, Justina Rufaro Nyakudzi.

Mupuwi proceeded to TV Sales and Home and paid US$890 for the appliance, revealing a US$578 inflation from the original quotation. A sales receipt was issued for the actual amount.

On November 16, Mano presented the withdrawal slip to Dr. Zulu for retroactive approval, which he refused since the transaction violated the hospital’s banking protocols. Later that same day, she allegedly instructed another subordinate, Sihle Maganyani, to retrieve US$573 from TV Sales and Home under the guise of a “discount,” despite the payment already having been made in full.

The discrepancy came to light during an internal audit conducted at Masvingo Provincial Hospital between October 27 and December 9, 2021, leading to the suspension and subsequent court case.

The judicial process remains unresolved, leaving the officials in professional and personal limbo. Legal experts and observers have raised concerns over the fairness and efficiency of the justice system when cases are unnecessarily prolonged due to witness non-attendance.

The three officials continue to await final resolution as the state’s case remains pending.