An 18-year-old woman from the Overspill area of Epworth has been arrested after allegedly pretending to be a man in order to deceive a 16-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Shamiso Melinda Sigara, appeared before Harare magistrate Jessie Kufa over the weekend where she faced a charge of aggravated indecent assault. She was not required to plead during the initial court appearance.
According to court papers presented by prosecutor Oscar Madhume, the alleged deception began in November 2025 when the suspect reportedly approached the teenager while presenting herself as a male suitor. The minor, whose identity cannot be revealed due to legal protections, believed she was entering into a relationship with a man.
Prosecutors say the situation escalated on 12 February 2026 when the teenager allegedly left her family home and moved into the suspect’s residence in the Overspill area of Epworth. The two reportedly lived together for a period while the suspect continued maintaining the false identity.
Authorities allege that incidents occurred during the night in which the teenager was assaulted while asleep. According to the court documents, the suspect is accused of using an object during these incidents while continuing to misrepresent her identity.
The situation reportedly came to light after the teenager began to suspect something was wrong and later spoke to her mother about the matter. A police report was filed soon after, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The case has caused concern among residents in Epworth, with many expressing shock over the allegations. Community members say the incident has raised conversations about trust, safety, and protecting young people.
Sigara remains in custody while the legal process continues. Her bail application is expected to be heard in the coming days. The court has postponed the matter to 10 March 2026 for further proceedings.
