Chronicle Editor
Caroline Mutsawu, Sunday News Reporter
POLICE in Hwange have reported a sharp increase in rape cases from January to October this year, most of them involving juveniles.
Acting Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Christopher Mahohoma said statistics showed a rapid increase in rape cases of juveniles, with the youngest victim being two years old.
He said police recorded 39 rape cases of children aged 0 to seven, 51 cases of children aged eight to 12, 85 cases of children aged 13 to 15 and 11 cases of children aged 16 to 17 giving a total of 186 rape cases.
“It is worrisome that the perpetrators of these offenses are mostly close relatives and neighbours who ought to be protecting victims from sexual abuse.
“In a period of 10 months police in Matabeleland North witnessed a total number of 70 rape juvenile cases being committed by close relatives, 98 cases being committed by neighbours, eight being committed by strangers while those in relationships recorded 10 cases. Of the reported cases, a total of 86 cases were committed in homes, 49 cases were committed in bushy areas and other places recorded 51 cases,” said Ass Insp Mahohoma.
He urged members of the public to report any cases of child abuse, and said relatives and parents must be role models to their children thus they should shun criminal activities. – @5_Shannico
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