Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
APOSTOLIC sect members in Buhera have been urged to protect children, reject child marriages and report abuse cases as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intensifies community outreach programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
The police had engaged congregants from the Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church, where they called on church members to uphold ethical practices and place the welfare of children at the centre of community life.
Speaking during the outreach programme, ZRP National Coordinator of the Victim Friendly Unit, Assistant Commissioner Dr Matildah Singende, said the campaign comes amid growing concern over cases of juvenile sexual abuse, exploitation and early marriages in some communities, particularly among minors.
It also sought to strengthen cooperation between police, traditional leaders and religious groups in safeguarding children’s rights.
Dr Singende said children must be protected from all forms of abuse.
“Let us not marry off our minor children. Let us not sleep with minors or force them into marriages because the law will take its course. Those who commit such offences will be arrested and prosecuted under Section 70 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act,” she said.
Dr Singende said the protection of children was not only a moral duty, but a constitutional obligation.
“Children have rights which are clearly provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Every child deserves protection, education and the opportunity to grow in a safe environment,” she said.
She urged parents and guardians to speak openly with children, especially boys, on respecting others and avoiding criminal behaviour.
“We are also seeing cases where young boys are sexually abusing their female age mates. Parents must guide their children early and teach them discipline, respect and responsibility,” she said.
She also expressed concern over increasing reports of abuse involving parents or guardians.
“It is painful to see some young mothers and fathers abusing the very children they have brought into the world. Families must become safe spaces for children, not places of fear,” said Dr Singende.
She also encouraged families to secure birth certificates for their children, saying legal documentation was essential in accessing education, health services and justice.
“Every child must have a birth certificate. It protects identity and ensures children are recognised before the law,” she said.
She said working with religious groups was important because churches remain influential institutions in many rural communities and can help spread messages against abuse and child exploitation.
Church leaders and congregants who attended the gathering welcomed the engagement, saying awareness programmes were helping communities better understand the law and the importance of child protection.
The outreach programme also addressed rising cases of stock theft in parts of Buhera and surrounding areas, with police urging villagers to remain vigilant and strengthen local security structures.
Acting Manicaland provincial coordinator for the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Sergeant Bright Mwoyosvii, called on residents to form community committees to help combat the crime.
“We encourage communities to establish village anti-stock theft committees that can work closely with police. These structures help monitor suspicious movements, recover stolen livestock and bring criminals to book,” he said.
He said stock theft continued to affect rural livelihoods, as many families depend on cattle, goats and donkeys for farming, transport and income generation.
“When livestock is stolen, families lose wealth and productive assets. Communities must therefore report suspicious activities quickly and avoid buying animals from unverified sources,” said Sergeant Mwoyosvii.
Traditional leaders who attended the programme pledged to continue working with law enforcement agencies in promoting lawful conduct and protecting minors.
Chief Chitsunge said traditional and religious leaders have a responsibility to safeguard children and uphold the law within their communities.
“We will not tolerate child marriages, abuse or any practice that destroys the future of our children,” he said.
“As traditional leaders, we will continue working with police, parents and churches to ensure every child is protected and able to pursue education.”
Chief Chitsunge urged families to report abuse cases early and said communities should unite in defending the rights and welfare of minors.
