Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,[email protected]
POLICE in Matabeleland South, working with a local organisation, Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), have partnered to educate communities and curb abuse of people with disabilities (PWDs).
PWDs are vulnerable to sexual abuse in communities and in some instances, these incidents go unreported.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube said that as police, they will continue to ensure that victims get justice through the arrest of the perpetrators.
She revealed that in a recent incident, a 44-year-old man was arrested for raping his 14-year-old niece, who has a speech impairment. She said the accused person was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Insp Dube highlighted that the police are part of a committee focused on cases involving persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We have the Victim-Friendly Committee, chaired by the regional magistrate, which plays a crucial role in ensuring justice for PWDs in court proceedings.
Through focusing on cases involving PWDs, the committee aims to provide a supportive and fair environment for vulnerable individuals to seek justice.
“As police, we have adopted the use of stickers in dockets which concern PWDs to ensure that we prioritse their cases, ensuring timely attention and action. This system enables efficient tracking and swift processing, ultimately supporting the delivery of justice for vulnerable individuals,” she said.
Insp Dube said during the awareness campaigns, they are educating communities on the need to uphold the rights of PWDs. She said this process requires corroborative effort.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust executive director, Mr Pick Nkomwa said their organisation is committed to providing support when PWDs suffer any form of abuse.
“We have come to assist the law enforcement agencies through ensuring persons with disabilities are equipped with information on reporting pathways, sign language interpretation as well as legal representation so that justice is served.
“We are also conducting awareness campaigns, disability sensitisation, as well as economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, to reduce sexual abuse on persons with disabilities. We are pleased to help ZRP in fighting sexual abuse in communities so that no one can be discharged due to poor communication and justice,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
