adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
SENATOR Tambudzani Mohadi has called on communities to partner police in fighting sexual violence. Sen Mohadi made the call during the launch of the Beitbridge district anti-sexual violence campaign at Lutumba at the weekend. “The hideous crime of sexual violence is affecting us as Zimbabweans. However, in the spirit of oneness and eagerness to fight crimes in all circles, it is important that we join hands with the police in reducing this scourge,” she said.
She said there was a need to revive the social morals and change the way people viewed women and the girl child.
“It is disappointing to mention that our homes have turned into crime scenes, our relatives have turned out to be monsters while our neighbours have turned out to be strangers. Similarly, some teachers are dreaded and some pastors are now devilish.
“The girl child has nowhere to hide, seek protection and or find solace,” Sen Mohadi said.
She said the justice system should make sure that perpetrators of sexual violence were dealt with accordingly.
Sen Mohadi said Government in 2006 promulgated the Sexual Offences Act which sought to deal with cases of sexual and gender-based violence and added that the new constitution had several clauses aimed at restoring the country’s moral fibre.
“A total of 43 cases of sexual abuse have been recorded in Beitbridge between January and July as compared to 37 reports during the same period last year.
“An increase of six cases was noted and this crime of rape and other sexual offences remains a cause for concern to the police and various stakeholders that include Government,” she said.
Beitbridge West legislator Cde Metrine Mudau called on members of the community to complement the police’s effort in fighting cases of sexual violence by reporting all abuse cases.
“As stakeholders let’s help our police officers with information that may lead to the arrest of criminals. It is sad to note that in most cases the police are let down by some members of the community who are not willing to co-operate during investigations,” she said.
The officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Patrick Majuta, urged the public to report any cases of abuse to the police as they occur, even if they were not related to sexual abuse.
He said they were working around the clock to reduce incidents of sexual abuse in the country.
Online Reporter