Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament Happymore “Bvondo” Chidziva is facing allegations of concealing the whereabouts of a 16-year-old girl, Trish Dewa-Moyo, who is related to his wife.
The girl’s family has filed a missing person’s report at the Budiriro 2 Police Station, saying Trish was last seen with the Glenview North MP, who had allegedly promised to find her a job.
Speaking to ZimLive, Trish’s aunt, Stabile Dewa, claimed that the family has evidence suggesting Chidziva, who is married to Trish’s cousin, is engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the underage teen.
If the allegations are proven true, Chidziva’s actions could be considered a criminal offence under Zimbabwean law, which sets the age of consent for sexual relations at 18 years. Said Dewa:
Chidziva should release the girl and let the law take its course. I just want justice for my brother’s daughter. He cannot just come and ruin my family.
According to the family, when the police attempted to contact Trish on her phone, she refused to disclose her location.
The report further states that Chidziva had initially agreed to speak to a ZimLive reporter, but later changed his mind.
However, ZimLive has obtained a voice note sent by Chidziva to Trish’s aunt, in which the MP admitted that he was the one who picked up the 16-year-old girl when she left her home.
However, Chidziva denies any romantic involvement, claiming that Trish wanted to go to a friend’s house who could assist her in finding employment.
Chidziva said he picked up Trish around 8 PM and dropped her off in Harare’s central business district.
The MP also acknowledged that he has been providing financial assistance to Trish for several years, without the knowledge of his wife.
Furthermore, Chidziva said he has been making efforts to have Trish return home, “because right now the impression is that she left on my account.”
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