Niga : “Survivor’s Stalker Looms Nearby: Danger Close”

In a harrowing turn of events, it has come to light that the man who subjected Jessie to unspeakable horrors 12 years ago now resides just a stone’s throw away from her. Both Jessie and the man, known as Niga at the time, are completely unaware of their close proximity.

Their paths first crossed when Niga abducted Jessie, locking her in his house during the day and forcing her into a disturbing marriage at night. The ordeal came to an end when Eye of the Child and the police intervened, rescuing Jessie from her tormentor. She was found to have genital warts, a foul smell emanating from her private parts, and later tested positive for HIV.

Now, over a decade later, Jessie, now 21, lies on a mat, unable to fully care for her two-month-old baby girl. She has undergone multiple operations, including a hysterectomy, due to complications arising from childbirth.

Living in a cramped mud house in the neighbourhood of Kameza, Jessie’s living conditions are dire. Her aunt Martha Lesteni, along with her husband and children, are doing their best to care for Jessie, her mother, and sister in the limited space available.

Charity, Jessie’s baby, cries and shivers as she is dressed in makeshift nappies made from chitenje pieces. The family struggles to afford basic necessities, with Jessie surviving on thobwa due to her inability to breastfeed.

Despite the trauma she has endured, Jessie remains determined to recover, care for her child, and start a business to support her family. However, financial constraints have made this goal seem out of reach.

Support and Challenges

According to Ministry of Gender child development officer Kondwani Mhone, survivors like Jessie often receive insufficient support, with resources being limited. The launch of a strategy to end child marriages in 2018 has provided some assistance, offering survivors educational, physiological, and psycho-social support.

However, financial challenges continue to hinder progress, with each district receiving minimal funding for social welfare and gender offices to implement and follow up on programmes. Despite these obstacles, efforts to support survivors have been intensified.

As Jessie bravely faces the challenges ahead, she appeals for assistance in her recovery, caring for her child, and establishing a business to secure a better future for herself and her family.