83-year-old Shurugwi grandfather flees after raping and impregnating his granddaughter (aged 17)

Police in Midlands Province have launched a manhunt for an 83-year-old man accused of raping his 17-year-old granddaughter on several occasions.

The teenager, whom police said has a mental health condition, has since given birth to twins.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the suspect is from Mavhumashava plots in Zhaugwe, Shurugwi. The identity of the girl has been withheld for ethical reasons.

Inspector Mahoko said the girl was living with her grandparents at the time of the alleged offences.

He added that the abuse is believed to have begun in April 2024, when the grandmother travelled to Gweru for a funeral, leaving the girl alone at home with the grandfather. Said Inspector Mahoko:

“It is alleged that the grandfather took advantage of and raped her on several occasions and threatened to assault her if she disclosed the issue to anyone.”

Inspector Mahoko said the matter only came to light in October 2024, when the victim’s aunt suspected she was pregnant and took her to a clinic, where the pregnancy was confirmed. He said:

“On December 17, 2024, she gave birth to twin babies who were sent for DNA tests, as part of investigations, whose results confirmed that the grandfather was the father.”

Inspector Mahoko said the grandfather was arrested and taken to the Gweru Regional Court, where he was granted bail on 18 December 2025.

He later disappeared, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information on his location to report to the nearest police station. *_-New Ziana_*