Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
RECENT statistics on rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, aggravated domestic violence and intimacy with minors (Section 70) from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) paint a picture that is both sobering and deeply revealing.
At least 13 838 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violence were recorded across the country last year.
To put this figure into perspective, that is the equivalent of more than 1 150 cases every month, or nearly 40 reports a day.
Breaking that down further, 7 810 cases fell into the category of “totals without domestic violence aggravated assault (DVA)” – in other words, primarily rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and sex with minors.
Of the 13 838 total cases, 6 028 were directly classified as domestic violence cases.
A comparative look at provincial data
The NPA data shows that some provinces appear overwhelmed by the volume of reports, while others face challenges in converting complaints into convictions.
Matabeleland provinces and Manicaland: In Matabeleland North, a total of 794 cases were recorded, with rape (375) as the highest single category. Domestic violence cases were also high at 293, while Section 70 accounted for 84. Convictions stood at 347, while 104 matters remain pending, indicating backlog pressure.
Matabeleland South reported 502 cases, a smaller total but with domestic violence again dominant at 215. Sexual offences contributed significantly, with 118 rapes and 117 indecent assaults. Total convictions were high at 480.
Manicaland faced a much heavier burden, recording a total of 1 419 cases.
Domestic violence accounted for 432 cases, rape for 371, Section 70 for 481 and indecent assault for 56.
The province secured 1 323 convictions, a relatively strong performance.
Masvingo and Harare: Masvingo’s 1 589 cases reflect a heavy burden of both domestic violence and sexual assault. Domestic violence made up 133 cases, while rape contributed 462, Section 70 contributed 570 cases, and indecent assault contributed 242 cases. Convictions reached 1 386.
Harare South’s total of 619 cases was modest compared to other regions, but the distribution was similar: 330 domestic violence cases, 78 rapes, 47 indecent assaults and Section 70 accounted for 145 cases. Convictions numbered 477.
By contrast, Harare North carried one of the heaviest caseloads at 1 400 cases.
Domestic violence (563) and rape (470) dominated the tally. Convictions stood at 1 148, but 175 acquittals and 153 pending cases may indicate delays in the delivery of justice.
Mashonaland provinces and Midlands: In Mashonaland Central, domestic violence was overwhelmingly the main problem, with 968 cases, followed by 221 rapes.
The province recorded a total of 1 294 cases and managed 956 convictions.
But, delays persist, with 268 pending cases.
Midlands showed the heaviest recorded burden among the three central provinces.
The province registered 1 873 cases in total, including 832 domestic violence and 583 rapes.
Convictions amounted to 1 625, with 162 acquittals and 92 pending matters.
Mashonaland East recorded 657 cases in total, with 75 domestic violence and 335 rape cases.
Convictions reached 396, but 106 cases remain pending, contributed to the province’s caseload pressures.
Bulawayo Urban and Mashonaland West: Bulawayo’s caseload reached 1 571, including 955 domestic violence cases and 357 rapes and 137 Section 70 cases.
Convictions stood at 804. 336 cases were withdrawn before plea, and 356 cases were still pending.
Mashonaland West recorded the highest overall caseload among these provinces, with 2 114 cases. Of these, 1 232 were domestic violence and 467 were rapes.
Convictions totalled 1 215, with 230 acquittals and 339 cases still pending.
Looking across the data, domestic violence emerges as the most reported offence in most provinces.
Rape numbers remain consistently high, with provinces like Midlands (583) and Harare North (470) among the worst affected.
Conviction rates vary: some provinces, like Mashonaland West (1 215 convictions out of 2 114 cases, showing signs of strain.
“Sexual assault against young persons is a serious offence. Communities must ensure the safety of children at all times,” said the NPA on rape cases.
On domestic violence cases, the authority said: “Domestic violence is a criminal offence, and the courts will act firmly to protect victims and uphold the law. Domestic violence destroys families and communities.
“NPAZ urges members of the public to seek peaceful ways of resolving disputes and to report abuse without fear.”
Police have since welcomed the convictions, declaring that they will not hesitate to arrest anyone found on the wrong side of the law without fear or favour.
dyton mupawaenda