Masvingo police on anti-sexual violence campaign

MASVINGO police have embarked on an anti-sexual violence campaign to raise awareness especially in rural areas amid reports that Zaka district tops the province in sexual abuse cases involving children.
Addressing community members, school children and district departmental heads during an anti-sexual violence campaign launch at Chitonhora Secondary School in Ndanga area last week, Officer Commanding Police in Masvingo Senior Assistant Commissioner Martha Mofolo expressed concern over the rate at which young children were being sexually abused by “cruel” men.

She said it was disheartening to note that children were being sexually abused at tender ages adding that every week, Zaka recorded three cases or more.

Zaka, which is under Masvingo East policing region which also includes Bikita, Gutu, Chatsworth, Mashoko and Bhasera, has the highest number of rape cases recorded in the period under review.

Snr Ass Comm Mofolo said the number of rape cases involving children rose from 290 in 2012 to 322 in 2013 across Masvingo province.
“This implies the average number of children sexually abused is 17 per every month and that is worrisome. Members of the public should bear in mind that it is always a crime for anyone to engage in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16,” said Snr Ass Comm Mofolo.

She challenged traditional chiefs, parents and other gatekeepers like teachers to alert the nearest police station whenever they see anyone engaging in sexual relationships with minors.

She urged rural communities not to sacrifice the lives of the girl child through using them as instruments through “girl pledging” or appeasing avenging spirits.

Rape suspects, she said, should not be let off the hook by parents of children who would have been abused under the pretext of marriage promise or compensation.

“You should be wary of the potential perpetrators of rape. Children can be sexually abused by parents, teachers, relatives, parents and neighbours. It is against this background that you should always make sure the girl child is protected.”