‘Report rape cases early’

Post Correspondent
POLICE have called on the public to report rape cases as soon as they happen saying the fact that most of these cases go unreported leaves the available statistics underestimating the true scale of the problem.Speaking at an anti-sexual violence campaign held by the police at Sakubva Musika last weekend, Officer Commanding operations in Manicaland Assistant Commissioner Gandiwa Mudede said though women and children were usually the victims, sexual violence can occur to anyone.

“As police, we are worried and disturbed by the occurrence of rape cases as statistics show that as a district, we record an average of at least four cases monthly. These cases do not only affect the victim, but they are also traumatic and cause psychological wounds that are difficult to heal.

“It is also disturbing to note that the perpetrators in most of these cases are relatives and neighbours who then pounce on defenceless victims who would have been entrusted in their custody,” said Asst Comm Mudede.

Asst Comm Mudede took time to warn would-be rapists that the ZRP will ensure that the long arm of the law catches up with them.

“The minimum jail term for a rape case is 10 years and so I would like to warn would-be rapists out there that we will see to it that they go behind bars if they are caught on the wrong side of the law. Take, for instance, the case we dealt with of the 28-year-old serial rapist who raped four girls between the ages of nine and 12. He would wait for the girls at Vumba roadside; entice them with food or money, before ruthlessly raping them. We, however, did what we know best and arrested him. He is currently in remand, awaiting trial,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asst Comm Kenneth Mtombeni, who officiated at Odzi Secondary School where the police were launching another anti-sexual violence campaign, expressed concern over the issues of sexual violence towards women and children saying there is a need for everyone to contribute towards the eradication of violence against women and children.

He also urged traditional leaders to help victims to report rape cases to the police as soon as they happen, adding that this on its own helps towards the arrest of perpetrators before they manage to escape.