By a Correspondent
A 50-year-old man from Parowa Village under Chief Marange in Manicaland has died by suicide following allegations of an incestuous relationship with his 20-year-old daughter.
Benny Chimhuya, locally known as “Mudhara Beniza,” was found hanging from a tree near the Musatya River. The discovery occurred shortly after a violent physical altercation with his son, who had confronted him over claims that Chimhuya was sexually abusing his daughters.
The internal dispute had drawn law enforcement intervention prior to Chimhuya’s death. Following the fight, the son was arrested for assault, while Chimhuya was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. Both father and son were released on the same day, with Chimhuya taking his own life later that evening.
The case was pending before Chief Marange’s traditional court at the time of the death. Chief Marange confirmed that community court investigations into the allegations were ongoing and had not reached a final ruling.
Relatives revealed that Chimhuya and his 20-year-old daughter had been residing together at Bezeley Bridge while the rest of the family lived elsewhere, his wife having relocated to Mutare.
Family members, including Chimhuya’s sister, Dorcas Chimhuya-Mangwandi, stated that the allegations extended beyond one child. According to the family, another daughter had previously fallen pregnant while living with Chimhuya, though the infant died shortly after birth. An older, married daughter had also previously accused him of abuse. Prior to his death, Chimhuya denied all claims, maintaining that relatives were envious of his close relationship with his daughter while he was teaching her how to drive.
This incident forms part of a broader pattern of intra-familial sexual abuse and incest cases recently brought before Zimbabwean courts.
In Chinhoyi, an 18-year-old man was convicted after engaging in repeated sexual activity with his 16-year-old sister in Zvimba, resulting in a pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage. The Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court issued a 12-month sentence, with eight months suspended on condition of completing 280 hours of community service.
In Masvingo, a 24-year-old woman appeared before the regional court after pleading guilty to having sexual relations with her maternal uncle. Meanwhile, in Zvishavane, a 53-year-old man received an effective 20-year prison sentence for repeatedly raping his 16-year-old daughter. Additionally, the Bulawayo Regional Court sentenced a 25-year-old man to 15 years in prison for raping his 22-year-old cousin inside a vehicle.
