Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
POLICE in the Midlands Province have joined hands with stakeholders to scale up the fight against sexual abuse amid concern over the rise in cases of rape after six cases were recorded in the province in two days.
It was revealed that the perpetrators are either relatives or people close to the victims who are mainly under-age girls.
Of the six cases recorded from January 4 to 5, 2024, four involve children aged between 9 and 17.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said most cases were linked to religious beliefs.
“Police have noted with great concern that rape cases against women and children, which are perpetrated by either relatives or people known to them continue to rise,” he said.
“Observations indicate that these rape cases occur at any time of the day both in urban and rural areas.”
Inspector Mahoko said the bulk of the incidents are committed by men usually trusted by victims. “Some trusted people take advantage and rape vulnerable women and young children. Some are claimed to be influenced by traditional beliefs, poverty or other factors,” he said.
In one of the cases that occurred in Mumvura area under Chief Chireya, Gokwe North, a nine-year-old girl was raped by her uncle after being left in his custody.
The perpetrator is aged 52 and has since been arrested.
In Hwata Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru, a 17-year-old juvenile was sexually abused by her 50-year-old uncle who is on the police wanted list.
In Gabuza Village under Chief Bunina, a 14-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather while her mother had gone away leaving the two alone at home.
The man is on the run.
In Kwekwe’s Chicago residential suburb, a 15-year-old girl was raped while looking for employment as a maid after she was offered overnight accommodation by a 35-year-old would-be employer.
In another incident in the Ruby area under Gweru Rural District Council, a 39-year-old woman was raped by her father-in-law who entered the bathroom where she was bathing.
The elderly man is on the run.
The sixth case happened in Goha area at Magomana Village under Chief Mahlabadza in Mberengwa where a 22-year-old woman was sexually abused by her jilted ex-boyfriend who found her herding cattle in a bush.
The 36-year-old was arrested.
Inspector Mahoko said urged victims to report rape to the police.
“We appeal to members of the public to ensure that they report all cases of abuse or suspected abuse to any police station,” he said.
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