Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
THE Police Women Network in Mbare has intensified its community crime-awareness campaign against sexual violence, warning perpetrators that they face long prison terms.
On Saturday, female officers from Mbare District visited traders at Granville Cemetery along Simon Mazorodze Road and at Hopley Market.
Their mission was twofold: to encourage the public to report offenders without fear, and to remind communities of their collective duty to protect the most vulnerable.
Leading the charge was Inspector Precious Shayachimwe, representing the ZRP Mbare District Women Network chairperson. She did not mince words about the emotional toll the rising cases have taken on the officers themselves.
“As mothers and police officers, we feel undressed and emotionally spent by cases of sexual abuse targeting female travellers at bus ranks and market places by touts,” Insp Shayachimwe said.
“To add salt to the wound, there are cases where relatives and neighbours rape a girl child — including those still being breastfed. If such evil acts are linked to false prophets and traditional healers, we ask communities to have heart and the spirit of human incarnation.”
The inspector said sexual violence offences carried severe consequences.
“We are here to let communities know that such cases are not only diabolic and evil, but digging your own grave, as justice will see you growing old in prison cells,” she warned.
Central to the campaign was a call for a culture of openness and trust.
Insp Shayachimwe urged parents and guardians to create safe spaces where children feel comfortable disclosing any form of abuse.
“Let us be our brother’s keeper and cultivate a friendly culture with your sons and daughters so that they feel comfortable disclosing any form of abuse they may face,” she said.
“As we go out for work, attend church gatherings or funerals, make sure your children are safe from these rapists and murderers.”
The officers also issued practical safety warnings. Residents were advised against using secluded routes, particularly paths around Granville Cemetery, which have increasingly become hotspots for robbers and rapists.
Commuters boarding vehicles along Simon Mazorodze Road — especially those using mushikashika— were urged to opt for registered operators.
“We have cases where commuters boarded unregistered transport vehicles used by robbers along Simon Mazorodze Road and were left dumped, robbed and, in some instances, raped at Granville Cemetery,” Insp Shayachimwe said.
She added that women have also been enduring sexual harassment from touts who force them onto buses they do not wish to board.
“The perpetrators of these sexual violences must be warned,” she stressed.
“We are here to educate people and urge you to expose these criminals by informing police in an effort to end this menace.”
The campaign also drew officers from the Victim Friendly Unit and Community Relations Liaison Officers, who addressed drug and substance abuse-related crimes and directed victims to Angel of Hope Rehabilitation for support.
Among those who participated were Assistant Inspectors Concillia Moyo and Susan Mupfumba, Constables Yvonne Chidzungu and Tendai Mhike, and Fungai Shumbayawonda. Mbare District is under the overall command of Superintendent Runwell Chipfurutse.
As the campaign continues, the message from the police is clear: silence protects the abuser, while speaking out protects the community.
