Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South police have raised a concern about the late and non-reporting of rape cases, especially those involving juveniles.
The provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube said non-reporting and late reporting of cases derails the justice delivery system. She said most of the child rape cases are being perpetrated by close relatives and neighbours.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Victim Friendly Unit, Matabeleland South Province has noted with great concern an upward trend of late reporting or in some cases, non-reporting of rape cases, notably involving juveniles as victims. What is most perturbing is that this then derails the justice delivery system.
“An analysis has shown that, these cases are being perpetrated by close relatives and neighbours then relatives deliberately delay reporting as they try to solve such issues within a family set up. We are encouraging members of the public to report all cases of sexual violence as soon as they are discovered and shun at all costs any attempt to sweep such cases under the carpet,” she said.
Insp Dube said early reporting of sexual violence matters enables the victim to quickly get medical treatment to help prevent likely transmission of sexually transmitted infections and getting unwanted pregnancies through the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis.
She said police will secure as much evidence as possible thereby ensuring comprehensive justice delivery. Insp Dube urged members of the public to report cases as early as possible.
“The victim can also be swiftly removed from any possible danger to a place of safety. Correct information can be obtained before being adulterated by distortions and exogenous influence. The culprit can be brought to book before any contemplation to evade justice,” she said.
@DubeMatutu
