Residents of Gokwe Town have been left in shock and fear following the arrest of a 33-year-old woman accused of assaulting a 10-year-old girl and allegedly extracting her blood in a case that has stunned the Midlands province. The chilling incident, which unfolded on the morning of May 26, 2025, has not only caused widespread outrage but also sparked renewed concern over child safety in the region.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of Mavis Sibanda (Gokwe woman) , a clothing vendor based at the busy Gokwe Centre marketplace. She is now at the center of a disturbing investigation involving the alleged unlawful extraction of blood from a minor—an act police officials have described as deeply troubling and without precedent in the area.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, issued an official statement regarding the case. “Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested a 33-year-old woman on allegations of assault involving the draining of blood from a 10-year-old juvenile. The case occurred in Gokwe Town on 26 May 2025 at approximately 10 a.m. The matter is under active and thorough investigation,” said Insp Mahoko.
According to initial reports, the woman allegedly called out to the girl—who was walking past her stall in the market—and engaged her under the guise of a friendly conversation. However, events took a horrifying turn when Sibanda is said to have produced a needle, injected the child, and used a syringe to extract blood from her body.
The motive behind the act remains unclear. Police have yet to establish whether it was a case of ritualistic behavior, mental health-related actions, or part of a broader criminal operation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of accomplices or a network being involved. Forensic experts are currently examining medical and physical evidence to determine exactly what transpired and whether other children may have been targeted.
The young girl, whose name is being withheld to protect her identity, was reportedly traumatized by the encounter and required immediate medical attention. Fortunately, her condition is now stable. She is recovering at home under the care of her family and receiving psychological support from professionals trained in dealing with child trauma cases.
The incident has rocked the quiet town of Gokwe, where such shocking criminal activity is extremely rare. Concerned parents and community members have since called for increased security at local marketplaces, where vendors operate close to schools, churches, and bus stations frequented by children. The atmosphere in the town remains tense, with many demanding swift justice and greater police visibility to prevent similar incidents.
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Extracting Blood from 10-Year-Old Girl
Local community leader Martha Dube described the situation as “utterly disturbing and terrifying,” highlighting that the emotional damage caused may take time to heal. “What has happened here is not only a violation of the child’s rights, but it has also deeply shaken the confidence of parents who believed their children were safe while running errands or walking to school,” she said.
The case has also reignited broader conversations around child protection, mental health, and the dangers of unchecked activity in informal trading areas. Civil society organizations have weighed in, calling for stronger surveillance, child safeguarding measures, and mandatory background checks for people working in public spaces.
In addition to supporting the victim’s recovery, social welfare officials have been deployed to assess the safety of other children in the community. Outreach programs are also being rolled out to educate parents and children on how to respond to suspicious behavior and report abuse.
As the investigation continues, the woman remains in custody and is expected to appear in court in the coming days to face formal charges, including assault and potential charges related to unlawful medical practices or child endangerment. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how such incidents are handled in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has assured the public that every effort is being made to uncover the full truth. “We are committed to getting to the bottom of this case. Any individuals found to have played a role in this incident, directly or indirectly, will face the full force of the law,” said Inspector Mahoko.
This unsettling case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in seemingly ordinary environments. As the nation awaits the next developments, the priority remains ensuring justice for the victim—and preventing such a terrifying ordeal from ever happening again.
