By Auther Chimbgwa
A 17-year-old Shurugwi girl, who is also a mental patient, gave birth to twins following alleged rape incidents by her 83-year-old grandfather, who was later confirmed by DNA tests as the biological father of the offspring.
Police spokesperson for Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the now fugitive suspect as Jairos Musekiwa of Mavhumashava plots, Zhaugwe in Shurugwi.
Mahoko appealed for information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Midlands Province is appealing for assistance from the public to locate and arrest an 83-year-old man, who is a wanted person in connection with a
case of rape of a mentally ill juvenile,” said Mahoko in a statement.
“The victim, as a result, later gave birth to twins.
“The offences occurred at Mavhumashava plots, Zhaugwe in Shurugwi.”
The teenager, police said, gave birth to the twins in December 2024.
The victim, now aged 17, was 15 at the time of the crime.
She was living with the suspect and her grandmother at the time of the crime.
According to police, sometime in April 2024, the girl’s grandmother left home to attend a funeral in Gweru.
The victim remained home with the grandfather.
It is alleged, the suspect took advantage and raped her on several occasions.
He allegedly threatened to beat her up if she disclosed the attack to anyone.
The matter only came to light in October 2024 when the victim’s aunt suspected her to be pregnant
and took her to a clinic for a pregnancy test to which the results were positive.
On 17 December 2024, she gave birth to twin babies who were sent for DNA tests as part of
investigations. The test results confirmed that Musekiwa was the father.
The suspect was arrested and taken to Gweru Regional Court where, on 18 December 2025, he was granted bail.
He has since disappeared.
