Vusumuzi Dube
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu ,[email protected]
THE country recorded a horrifying 10,846 child sexual abuse cases last year—up from 9 916 in 2023—with fathers and stepfathers among the worst offenders.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, revealed the sickening trend during a chiefs’ meeting in Gweru, naming grandfathers, neighbours, uncles, cousins, teachers, and even strangers as predators.
“These vile crimes include rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and online abuse targeting kids as young as 12,” Insp Mahoko said.
The chilling stats emerged as chiefs from four provinces gathered for a “Not in My Village” campaign to tackle teen pregnancies, child marriages, and HIV. Launched last year in Mazowe, the initiative is now expanding to hotspot districts like Beitbridge, Mutare, and Hurungwe.
Sidumisile Mabena