Marshall Bwanya
Harare—The harrowing rape of a three-year-old girl at a drug den in Warren Park 1, Harare has ignited fresh demands for a tougher crackdown on substance abuse.
This incident has fuelled accusations of police inaction and deepened anxiety within the community.
The minor, whose name has been withheld, reportedly visited a residence in Warren Park 1 in Harare, accompanied by her mother (name withheld) who is alleged to have been struggling with substance abuse.
Court documents indicate that the girl and her mother stayed at the premises for some time, during which 52-year-old Sydney Makaya allegedly sexually abused the child on multiple occasions.
The abuse reportedly came to light when the child’s mother was arrested, and the girl moved in with her grandmother.
Unusual behaviour
A family friend, Beauty Ncube, noticed unusual behaviour when the minor was urinating, prompting an interview in which the child disclosed the abuse.
A medical examination conducted on 26 July, 2025, under RRB number OB4715/25 and affidavit number 60429A, confirmed that the child had contracted a sexually transmitted infection, after which medication was prescribed for her.
Despite this evidence and an official report filed on the same day, Makaya was not arrested for nearly a month.
It was only on 24 August after the family lodged a formal complaint with the Victim Friendly Unit regarding the lack of police action, that Makaya was taken into custody.
Relatives of the sexually abused minor identified other named suspects who are were not arrested in connection with the case
“We are deeply frustrated with the investigating officer (named) who failed to conduct proper due diligence in this case,” said a relative of the victim.
“It was only after we lodged a formal complaint with the Victim Friendly Unit regarding the inaction that Makaya was finally taken into custody on 24 August.
“The lengthy delays and the fact that the other perpetrators have not been arrested seem deliberate,” lamented the relative.
“It’s as if there was an attempt to destroy evidence and let this abuse be forgotten,” added the relative.
For residents, this heart-wrenching case has profoundly reignited their mistrust for Warren Park Police Station.
Residents allege that previous complaints about the same drug hub were ignored and claim that the location remains a centre for crime, substance abuse, and delinquency.
Days before Makaya’s arrest, a known drug user associated with the premises, Vimbai Pabwaungana, reportedly committed suicide while reportedly intoxicated.
Further complications emerged when Makaya appeared at Rotten Row Magistrates Court on 26 August.
Worrying inconsistencies
The charge sheet contained inconsistencies, listing the accused as Sydney Tenious, a male adult aged 44 years at house number 19, 19th Street in Warren Park D, Harare, conflicting with known details that the accused is Sydney Makaya, aged 52, who allegedly committed the crime at Number 19, 19th Crescent, Warren Park 1.
A source close to the investigation told NewsHub that the family suspects deliberate tampering with evidence, warning that the discrepancies could potentially allow the defense to challenge the charges based on mistaken identity or inaccurate particulars.
This case underscores systemic failures and the urgent need to protect the rights of children whose parents or guardians struggle with drug abuse.
“Our community has lost faith in the police while children grow up surrounded by addiction and crime.
“The drug dens in Warren Park, especially the one on 19th Street, continues to operate with complete impunity.
“This drug crisis is driving a surge in crime and delinquency,” said a community member who asked to remain anonymous.
National police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, confirmed that, prior to receiving an official report, the police had been given an anonymous tip-off about the minor’s rape.
Nyathi insisted that the police had to exercise due diligence to establish the truth through a medical report, hence the delays.
“The minor was then taken for medical examination, which confirms she was sexually abused/raped.
“Timelines taken to investigate and effect arrests depend on available evidence and cooperation from witnesses.
“In this regard, the police are dealing with a minor whose diet and protection is paramount,” said Nyathi.
He, however, said the “sudden death of Vimbai Pabwaungana” had occurred at a different address, specifically “number 26-11th crescent, Warren Park.”
He noted that police were still establishing if this death and the minor’s rape were connected to drug abuse activities, confirming they had already raided the drug den in Warren Park 1.
“We are still conducting inquiries to establish if the death of the woman was linked to drug activities,
“The police have raided the alleged drug base at number 19-19th Crescent, Warren Park 1,” said Nyathi.
Surveillance
Nyathi said a surveillance team was closely monitoring current activities at the drug den and would give an update to the public soon.
Sydney Makaya remains in custody till 12 September, as the Warren Park community watches closely, hoping for justice for the young victim and a long-overdue review of child protection and policing systems.
Harare Residents Trust director, Precious Shumba, lamented the tragic events in Warren Park 1, noting that such incidents are unacceptable in society and that communities feel helpless against the entrenched presence of drug dealers.
“What happened in Warren Park is sad. It should never be allowed in our society. Drug dealers have established themselves in various communities and the citizens feel helpless,” said Shumba.
“The police are unhelpful in most cases. The key people involved in drug and substance abuse are known but they appear to be untouchable, with greater powers and authorities shielding them from arrest and prosecution,” added Shumba.
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director, Rueben Akili, emphasised the need to map areas where drug and substance abuse are most rampant.
“There is a need to map areas where drug abuse is being done. When we map such areas, the government, stakeholders and police are, at the end of the day, able to constantly check where delinquency and crime are rampant,” said Akili.
He added: “Because drug abuse is also linked to mugging, theft and even some of the rape cases among other issues, there is a need to ensure that when these matters are mapped or profiled, the information is then shared with the police.”
A local organisation dedicated to promoting drug and substance harm reduction and rehabilitation for communities, Heal Us Zimbabwe, said it was deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Warren Park 1 and stood in solidarity with the affected family and community.
Its founder and chairperson, Columbus Mushore, said the tragic incident highlighted the intersection between drug abuse and the vulnerability of children.
“Our organisation prioritises immediate child protection and trauma support through counselling, psychosocial services, and referral pathways to safe shelters.
“Drug bases must not be allowed to thrive. We urge citizens to speak up without fear, while authorities must act swiftly on intelligence sharing,” said Mushore.
Jacob Shamuyarira, a survivor of substance abuse who began drinking at 15, now heads Pamumvuri, a civic organisation dedicated to confronting the drug crisis.
He warned that substance abuse is not merely a personal struggle but a social crisis demanding urgent, coordinated action from government and stakeholders.
“It’s sad that this has happened and we make a clarion call for people to seek help as soon as possible and for law enforcement to act when information is provided that there is drug related activity happening in a neighborhood, in community and action gets taken to prevent the same things from happening again,” said Shamuyarira.