Stolen Childhood: A 14-Year-Old Girl in Zimbabwe Dies After Giving Birth.

By Thabiso Sibanda

At 14, Yeukai deserved a chance to chase her dreams, not face the risk of childbirth. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the 14-year-old girl’s life was tragically cut short after a traumatic ordeal. The young girl was raped and impregnated by a known 24-year-old relative eventually succumbing to complications just one week after delivering twins. According to an article published by H – Metro on the 30th of January, the family of Yeukai swept the matter under the carpet and only demanded a cow and seven goats as compensation from the perpetrator’s family. This shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media and renewed calls to address the urgent issue of sexual violence and its consequences on young girls in the country.

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the widespread issue of sexual assault encountered by vulnerable members of society, especially young girls, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive measures to safeguard their rights and well-being. Similarly, this was the tragic situation faced by 17-year-old Courage Msimanga, who passed away shortly after giving birth to twins, and 14-year-old Memory Machaya, who lost her life during childbirth at a sanctuary of an apostolic sect. Noteworthy is the data from a UNICEF report on the national assessment on adolescent pregnancy, which disclosed that out of the 1,706,946 antenatal appointments made between 2019-2022, 4070 were amongst adolescents aged between 10-14. These distressing events raise concerns about the protection and welfare of girls in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for a united effort to eliminate teenage pregnancies and sexual abuse.

Rape presents a harrowing crime that inflicts severe physical, emotional, and psychological wounds on survivors, particularly when they are as young as Yeukai. Her tragic passing underscores the dire need for society to confront the underlying causes of gender-based violence and to actively pursue prevention, education, and support measures for survivors.
Dr. Chuma, a renowned gynaecologist, emphasized the importance of promptly reporting child sexual assault to the police rather than handling it internally within families. He highlighted that ‘’When a child is raped, families should call the police and not a family meeting. Early reporting can expedite court orders for minors to receive abortion services, especially in instances of incest. It is also crucial for families to swiftly seek medical attention for rape survivors at health facilities where they can access Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and treatment for any potential infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)’’, he said.
This incident further emphasizes the critical importance of advocating for enhanced maternal health services in Zimbabwe. Public health advocate Melody Dube stressed, “No child should become a mother at 14, and no mother should perish during childbirth. The government must make intentional strides to prioritize the delivery of maternal health services, viewing it not only as a matter of well-being but also as a fundamental human rights issue.”
Zimbabwe, along with many other countries, has been striving to combat child sexual violence. President Mnangagwa recently utilized his authority under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act to publish the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Criminal Laws (Protection of Children and Young Persons)) Regulations, 2024 as Statutory Instrument 2 of 2024. This regulation raises the age of consent to 18. Previously, the age of consent for sexual relations was set at 16 in statutory law, but it has now been increased to 18 following a ruling by the Constitutional Court confirming that the minimum age for marriage set at 18 in the Constitution also logically applied to the age of consent, so raising that to 18. The Court affirmed that the minimum marriage age of 18 specified in the Constitution logically applies to the age of consent as well, thereby necessitating the increase. This amendment also encompasses acts deemed indecent by a reasonable person and explicitly states that soliciting individuals under 18 for sexual or indecent acts is a criminal offense. The penalties for such offenses involve level 12 fines or a maximum of 10 years in jail. However, this tragic incident underscores the need to redouble efforts, strengthen existing laws, and improve access to justice for survivors. It serves as a grim wake-up call for authorities to ensure that victims receive the necessary medical, psychological, and social support they desperately need.
The legal fraternity, Civil society, and communities must come together to condemn acts of violence, demand justice, and work tirelessly to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Comprehensive legislative reforms, effective law enforcement, and a sustained commitment from all stakeholders are essential to creating an environment where every girl can grow up free from fear and violence.
As we mourn the loss of Yeukai, let her tragic experience serve as a powerful reminder that our collective efforts toward a safer and more inclusive society must be intensified. The path to justice and healing for survivors begins with acknowledging the problem, breaking the silence, and taking immediate action to prevent further instances of sexual violence. Together, we can strive to create a world where no child faces such a devastating fate and where every girl can live a life full of promise, joy, and safety.