GWERU – Police in the Midlands Province is on the hunt for a fugitive 83-year-old grandfather who is accused of raping his 17-year-old granddaughter on several occasions.

The 17-year-old girl who police said is a mental patient has since given birth to twins.

Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has identified the man as coming from Mavhumashava plots, Zhaugwe in Shurugwi.

The 17-year-old girl’s identity has been withheld for ethical reasons.

Mahoko said the girl was staying with her grandparents when the alleged offence happened.

He said the abuse started in April 2024, when the grandmother attended a funeral in Gweru and the girl remained home with the grandfather.

“It is alleged that the grandfather took advantage and raped her on several occasions and threatened to assault her if she disclosed the issue to anyone,” he said.

Mahoko said the matter only came to light in October 2024 when the victim’s aunt suspected her to be pregnant and took her to a clinic where she tested positive to pregnancy.

“On December 17, 2024 she gave birth to twin babies who were send for DNA tests, as part of investigations, whose results confirmed that the grandfather was the father.”

He said the grandfather was arrested and taken to Gweru Regional Court where, on December 18, 2025, he was granted bail.

“He then disappeared and his whereabouts are currently not known,” Mahoko said.

The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of the man to report at any police station.