Grade 7 girl, abused and impregnated by relatives in Chikomba, scored 18 units
A 14‑year‑old girl from Chikomba, who fell pregnant while in Grade 7 at a local school, has recently given birth to a baby girl.
The girl (name withheld), now in the care of her relatives, has reportedly disclosed that she was sexually abused by eight men, among them close family members in Chikomba East constituency.
Despite enduring pregnancy throughout much of her Grade 7 year, she emerged as the top performer at her school, achieving 18 units in her final examinations.
Her relatives believe that if she had not been pregnant, she might have achieved even better results.
The matter was reported to Madamombe Police Station, and some suspects were said to have been summoned for questioning.
Initially, police and provincial officials claimed they had delayed arrests to allow the victim to complete her exams.
However, even after the examinations, no arrests were made, despite the girl having identified her abusers.
According to one relative, police later shifted their position, saying they were waiting for the girl to give birth so that DNA tests could be carried out to determine the culprit. The relative said:
“The police said they were waiting for her to give birth so that they could conduct some DNA tests as per the process to conclude the matter.”
Local traditional leader Headman Madamombe disclosed that one of the main suspects has fled the area. He said:
“The last time I interacted with the police, they told me that one of the suspects, whom the victim is pointing to as the one behind the pregnancy, has left for South Africa.
“The problem is that once the matter is in the hands of the police, our influence has some limit.
“Now that the victim has given birth, we will see how best we can move on and ensure that the matter is concluded.”
An education officer told NewsDay that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has arranged for the girl to be enrolled at a local secondary school.
She is now reportedly under the care of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), which is supporting her educational welfare.
The young mother has named her baby Truth. *_-Pindula_*
