83-Year-Old Man Rapes Granddaughter, Fathers Her Twins
n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Shurugwi , Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean police are urgently seeking public help to track down an 83-year-old man accused of raping his 17-year-old mentally ill granddaughter, who later gave birth to twins confirmed b
anostrofy By Delicious Mathuthu
Shurugwi, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwean police are urgently seeking public help to track down an 83-year-old man accused of raping his 17-year-old mentally ill granddaughter, who later gave birth to twins confirmed by DNA tests to be his children, authorities said on Friday.
The suspect, Jairos Musekiwa, vanished after being granted bail last month, December 2025, prompting a nationwide appeal from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the Midlands province.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Midlands is appealing for assistance from the public to locate and arrest an 83-year-old man, who is a wanted person in connection with a case of Rape of a mentally ill juvenile," said Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the Midlands police spokesperson, in a statement.
"The victim as a result later gave birth to twins," Mahoko added.
The alleged assaults occurred in April 2024 at Mavhumashava plots in Zhaugwe, Shurugwi district, where the victim was living with her grandparents.
Police say the grandmother left to attend a funeral in Gweru, leaving the teenager alone with Musekiwa.
"It is alleged, the grandfather took advantage and raped her on several occasions and threatened to assault her if she disclosed the issue to anyone," Inspector Mahoko said.
The case came to light in October 2024 when the victim's aunt noticed signs of pregnancy and took her to a clinic for testing, which confirmed she was expecting.
On December 17, 2024, she gave birth to twin babies.
As part of the investigation, DNA tests were conducted on the infants.
"Whose results confirmed that Jairos was the father," Mahoko stated.
Musekiwa was arrested and appeared before the Gweru Regional Court, where he was released on bail on December 18, 2025.
He has since disappeared, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
"We are appealing to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Jairos Musekiwa to report at any police station or make use of our ZRP Whatsapp platform 0712 800 197," Mahoko urged.
The case comes as authorities express concerns about sexual violence within families in Zimbabwe, where police have stepped up efforts to encourage reporting and public cooperation in apprehending fugitives.
Zimbabwean law imposes severe penalties for rape, particularly involving minors or vulnerable individuals, with convictions carrying potential life sentences.
