A 13-year-old girl from Bocha, Marange has left Zimbabweans shocked and angry after reports emerged that she was severely tortured and burned over allegations that she stole US$20.
The child, identified as Dorris, is a pupil at Chegore Secondary School in Bocha. According to disturbing details circulating in the community, Dorris was accused of stealing money and forced to “confess” under extreme violence. She was allegedly assaulted and had hot roasted groundnuts (nyimo dzakakangwa dzinopisa) poured inside her clothes, causing serious burns and injuries to her body.
What has angered many is that Dorris has consistently denied the theft, yet the punishment continued regardless. Sources say the abuse was meant to force her to admit to the crime, a method many are describing as inhumane, criminal, and barbaric.
The young girl reportedly lives with her grandmother and grandfather, making the case even more heartbreaking. Community members say she comes from a vulnerable background and had no one powerful to defend her when the accusations were made. Despite being badly beaten and burned, she still maintains her innocence.
Zimbabweans online and in Marange are now demanding justice, questioning how a child can be subjected to such cruelty over a small amount of money. Human rights advocates say this incident highlights the ongoing abuse of children in rural areas, where mob justice and forced confessions are still practiced.
As outrage grows, many are calling on police, social welfare, and child protection services to urgently intervene, investigate those responsible, and ensure Dorris receives medical care, counseling, and justice.
This painful case is a stark reminder that no child deserves torture, and that protecting children must come before anger, rumors, or unproven accusations.
