Wanawake 3 kizimbani kwa kubaka wanaume

Three women in Zimbabwe have been accused of raping at least four men to obtain their sperm for traditional rituals.

The women, whose trial began Monday, are collectively charged with 17 counts of aggravated indecent assault.

Police say the women may have been part of a nationwide syndicate that used the sperm for traditional rituals in the belief they make people lucky and wealthy.

The women were arrested in a town 170 miles outside of the capital city of Harare after police found 31 used condoms in their car.

The suspects in the case have denied the charges, claiming they are prostitutes and did not have time to dispose of the condoms.

“Are we not suspects until proven guilty? It’s as if people have already made their judgments and found us guilty,” said Sophie Nhokwara, 26, one of the suspects, in an interview.

At least nine men have come forward as being victims with similar stories of being attacked.

Kelvin Hazangwi, national director of the Padare Mena’s Forum on Gender, said male rape is still a taboo subject in Zimbabwe.

“I’ve noticed that the men who have come forward are really traumatized after seeking medical assistance of these rapes and need counseling,” Hazangwi told ABC News.

“Some of them, their partners left them and they could not go back to their families. Their social networks have broken down.”

“This case is shocking not only for the men but also for the society as a whole,” Hazangwi said.

“Many people drove to the police station just to get a glimpse or a view of the women that would rape men.”