Bulawayo man arrested for alleged rape of teenage girl during laundry job
Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
BULAWAYO – A 56-year-old man from Southworld, Bulawayo, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl who was at his home for a routine laundry job.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of Edson Zaeko in a statement released on Thursday. The alleged incident occurred on the morning of October 4, 2025. Zaeko was arrested on October 9 after the teenager filed a report.
“The victim, a female juvenile aged 17 years, visited the accused person who is a boyfriend to her aunt to carry out piece jobs of washing clothes as she normally does,” said Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu.
According to police, after the girl finished washing clothes, she expected her usual payment of US$5. Instead, the accused allegedly began caressing her and then raped her.
“After the act, the accused person left the room leaving the complainant to dress up. He then ferried the complainant to her place of residence and gave her $10,” said Asst. Insp. Ndlovu.
The victim reported the matter to the police on October 9, leading to Zaeko’s arrest the same day.
In the statement, Asst. Insp. Ndlovu urged the public to take stronger measures to protect minors from abuse, particularly in domestic and familiar settings.
“We urge members of the public, especially parents and guardians, to exercise great caution regarding who they entrust with their girl children,” she said.
She also issued a stern warning to potential offenders: “We also warn those who violate children that they will be hunted down and brought to justice.”
