Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
POLICE in Matabeleland South have intensified awareness campaigns, urging communities to report rape cases promptly, amid growing concerns over delayed or non-reporting of sexual offences — particularly those involving juveniles.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, highlighted that delays in reporting hinder the course of justice. She noted that many child rape cases are perpetrated by close relatives or neighbours, with families often choosing to resolve such matters privately rather than involving the authorities.
To address this, the police are emphasising the importance of early reporting during their awareness campaigns. Inspector Dube expressed concern that some community members remain unaware of the serious consequences of concealing sexual violence.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit in Matabeleland South Province has observed, with great concern, a rising trend of late or, in some cases, non-reporting of rape cases, particularly those involving juveniles as victims.
“What is most disturbing is that such delays undermine the justice delivery system. Our analysis shows that these offences are frequently committed by close relatives or neighbours, with families deliberately postponing reporting as they attempt to resolve the issues internally. We are urging members of the public to report all cases of sexual violence as soon as they are discovered, and to resist any temptation to conceal such incidents,” said Inspector Dube.
She said early reporting enables victims to receive prompt medical treatment, which can help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies through the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis.
Inspector Dube added that timely reporting allows the police to secure crucial evidence, thereby ensuring comprehensive justice. She encouraged the public to report cases as early as possible.
“The victim can also be swiftly removed from any potential danger and placed in a safe environment. Accurate information can be obtained before it is distorted or influenced by external factors. The perpetrator can be brought to justice before any attempt is made to evade accountability,” said Inspector Dube.
She cited a recent case in Plumtree: “During the month of August, an uncle aged 42 visited the residence of a 15-year-old complainant at around 6pm. He was given a room for the night, but later, after the complainant had retired to bed in a separate room, the accused sneaked in and raped her.
“The complainant screamed for help, but to no avail, and the accused fled immediately after the act. The complainant later confided in her sister, who chose to remain silent and appeared to prefer resolving the matter within the family.”
Inspector Dube said that on September 17, the complainant found the courage to report the incident to the police, resulting in the perpetrator’s arrest.
In another case, a 39-year-old man from Esigodini gave his seven-year-old biological daughter beer to drink before raping her. The child’s mother discovered the offence on the same day, but the matter was only reported to the police seven days later.
Inspector Dube urged members of the public to report rape cases to the nearest police station as soon as they occur. — @DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo