Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
The Police Women Network has expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual abuse and rape involving minor children and women, urging communities to work closely with police to fight crime.
On Saturday, Mbare District female officers visited traders at Granville Cemetery and Hopley Market to encourage members of the public to join hands with the police in reporting offenders and safeguarding vulnerable people.
Led by Inspector Precious Shayachimwe, who represented the ZRP Mbare District Women Network chairperson, the officers said they were “emotionally pained” by reports of sexual violence affecting female travellers at bus ranks and market places, including cases involving relatives and neighbours.
“As mothers and police officers, we feel undressed and emotionally spent by cases of sexual abuse to 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 feeding on their mother’s milk. If such evil acts are linked to false prophets and traditional healers, we ask communities to have heart and the spirit of human incarnation.”
She said communities must understand that sexual offences are not only “diabolic and evil” but also carry long-term consequences for perpetrators.
“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 said.
Insp Shayachimwe urged community members to foster a culture of openness and trust so that children feel safe to disclose abuse.
“Let us be our brother’s keeper and cultivate a friendly culture with your sons and daughters so that they feel comfortable to disclose 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.”
She urged couples to resolve their differences amicably and engage elders.
“Cases of domestic violence have been worrying considering that some are using dangerous weapons and end up killing each other. Let us respect our marriages, our children and our parents to avoid domestic violence.
“Engage local and church leaders or visit any nearest police station to resolve your differences amicably.
The inspector also warned residents against using secluded routes, including paths around Granville Cemetery, which she said have increasingly become targets for robbers and rapists.
She further cautioned commuters boarding vehicles along Simon Mazorodze Road, particularly those travelling on Mishikashika, to prefer registered public transport, saying criminals have been targeting unsuspecting passengers.
“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 had been experiencing sexual harassment from touts and were being forced to board buses they did not want.
“The perpetrators of these sexual violences must be warned. We are here to educate people and urge you to expose these criminals by informing police in an effort to end this menace,” she said.
The campaign also included officers from the Victim Friendly Unity (VFU) and Community Relations Liaison Officers (CRLO), who urged residents to report drug and substance abuse-related crimes and to take victims to Angel of Hope Rehabilitation.
Among those who took part was Assistant Inspectors Concillia Moyo and Susan Mupfumba, Constables Yvonne Chidzungu and Tendai Mhike, as well as Fungai Shumbayawonda.
Mbare District is under the command of Chief Superintendent Runwell Chipfurutse.
