Chirumhanzu man faces justice for heinous crime against own daughter
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Trust Khakhi, a resident of Zinhume area under Chief Chirumhanzu, stood trial at the Gweru High Court Circuit, accused of raping and murdering his 1-year-old daughter. The court heard heart-wrenching testimony from key state witness Simon Kamwana, who described the events leading up to the discovery of the child’s brutally injured body.
On the day in question, Kamwana visited the homestead around 4 pm and found Khakhi and the child playing. However, when village health workers arrived to inspect the body before burial, they noticed suspicious injuries. Further investigation by police revealed signs of rape.
Khakhi whose age was not disclosed denied the allegations, claiming the child accidentally fell from a 1.5-meter rock and was hit by a stone. He incredulously asked, “How can I rape my own daughter when I have a wife, her mother?”
The prosecution alleged that on February 19, 2021, Khakhi caused the death of his 1-year, 3-month-old daughter while in his custody, raping her before killing her. The mother was away at the time, seeking social welfare food aid.
Advocate Maguranyanga represented Khakhi, while Deputy Prosecutor General Justin Uladi prosecuted for the State. Six witnesses testified, including Yeukayi Neutanga, Mikel Pesanayi, Clemence Julius, Wellington Mupati, Farai Tarwirei, and Simon Kamwana. The state provided evidence, including a post-mortem report from a United Bulawayo Hospital doctor and a warning and caution statement signed by the accused.
As the trial continues, the community remains shocked and outraged by the heinous crime. The question on everyone’s mind is: will justice be served for the innocent child and her grieving mother?
