adminMidlands Correspondent
POLICE said they were lobbying for a minimum of 40 years imprisonment for rape in the wake of increasing cases, most of which involve minors. Speaking during a belated Midlands Police Christmas Party in Gweru on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Human Resources, Levi Sibanda said rape cases countrywide increased by 16 percent in 2014 compared to 2013.
He said most rape cases reported to the police involved minors below the age of five.
Dep Comm Sibanda called on the judiciary to impose lengthy custodial sentences on rape offenders.
“It’s disheartening to note that crimes of concern such as rape increased by 16 percent. I’m particularly worried that most of the victims in these cases are juveniles. Please traditional leaders help us.
This issue is giving us problems. The practice is not cultural.
“We don’t know what has affected our people. We don’t know where the world is heading to. The situation has gone so bad and we’re glad that members of parliament particularly women speak about this in parliament.
We support women who call for lengthy custodial sentences on rape offenders. We want the mandatory sentence of rape to be 40 years. Rapists are at times sentenced to just nine years which is not deterrent enough,” he said.
Minister Oppah Muchinguri once called on the government to consider chemical castration of rape offenders.
Dep Comm Sibanda however said Midlands recorded a decrease in general crime last year compared to 2013.
He said police in the province also recovered more than 500kg of gold through operation “Anti-Smuggling’”
“Let me encourage you to continue with your commitment and dedication to work that has culminated in the general reduction of crime by nine percent to 29,455 cases recorded last year from 32,448 recorded in 2013.
‘‘I’m pleased that Operation “Nyamayabvepi/Inyama Uyithethengaphi” has led to the recovery of livestock valued at $480,545 while operation Anti-smuggling led to the recovery of 546,34kg of gold which was surrendered to Fidelity Printers,” he said.
Dep Comm Sibanda said police were intensifying their crackdown on corrupt officers and individuals.
He said every corrupt person shall be dealt with regardless of political or social status.
“May I take this opportunity to remind police officers that the organisation upholds discipline and deplores corruption.
Once you engage in corruption you erode public confidence in the police. Let me warn rogue elements that indulge in corruption that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter