‘Widower subjects daughter to 5 years of rape’

false promises until the time she realised that she was being abused.”

Sources said the man guarded his daughter jealously and would not allow her to speak to neighbours or have friends.

“It’s possible the juvenile was not aware she was being abused. She only decided to report her father after learning of the effects of rape and upon realising that her father would not stop abusing her. She endured five years of despicable abuse,” said a neighbour.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the matter and said the suspect had been arrested.

“I can confirm the arrest of a 49-year-old man who allegedly sexually abused his biological daughter for five years.

“Since 2013, the man has been allegedly raping his daughter on different occasions until last month. She reported the matter and the suspect was arrested. Investigations are underway,” she said.

Insp Simango urged members of the public, especially children, to report rape incidents or any other forms of abuse as soon as they happen.

“No matter how much you may have been threatened not to reveal such matters, talk to family, relatives, neighbours or report straight to the police so that the perpetrators are brought to book.

“We also advise the community never to leave the girl child in the custody of males, whether it’s a biological parent, relative or neighbours,” she said.

Insp Simango said rape had far reaching effects and should never be taken lightly in society.

Neighbours said the man’s wife died in 2013 and he