Six Schoolgirls Raped After Asking For Drinking Water In Gokwe, Suspect Denied Bail

A man from Gokwe, accused of raping six primary school girls in a single incident, has been denied bail by the High Court.

Justice Philda Muzofa, presiding at the Chinhoyi High Court, rejected the bail application for the accused (name withheld), who faces six counts of rape involving victims aged between seven and nine.

In her ruling, Justice Muzofa described the case as involving “young, vulnerable children” whose safety and testimony would be jeopardised if the suspect were released.

The allegations stem from an incident in June 2025, during which the children, all pupils at a local primary school, were allegedly lured and raped in quick succession.

According to the prosecution, the girls were walking to school when they stopped at the accused’s homestead to ask for water. The court heard:

“Instead of giving them water, he asked the complainants to accompany him to his sorghum field… At the field, he then raped each complainant and threatened them not to tell anyone.”

The abuse remained unreported for several months until one of the victims confided in her aunt in November, which encouraged the other girls to come forward.

Medical examinations were subsequently carried out at Gokwe District Hospital, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

In her decision to refuse bail, Justice Muzofa said the gravity of the allegations and the vulnerability of the victims outweighed the accused’s personal circumstances, including his age and health. She ruled:

“This is a rape case of six young children who stayed in the same village with the applicant. His advanced age seems to pale into dimness if juxtaposed with the offence and the victims.”

The accused argued that he did not pose a flight risk and offered to relocate to prevent any contact with witnesses. He maintained his innocence and denied all charges.

However, the court ruled that his presence in the community posed a significant risk to the integrity of the case.

Justice Muzofa also noted that the accused was well known to the children, who frequently passed by his homestead, suggesting a pre-existing level of familiarity and trust.

The prosecution, represented by R. Nikisi, opposed bail, arguing that the accused could interfere with witnesses either directly or indirectly, particularly given their age and proximity to him.

The court agreed, stressing that bail decisions must balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect the administration of justice.

More: NewZimbabwe.com