adminFungai Lupande Mashonaland Central Bureau
Police in Mashonaland Central have urged tertiary institutions to rope in their Victim Friendly Unit during their orientation programme to stem increasing cases of rape of female students.
Speaking at a sexual reproductive health rights meeting organised by Justice for Children Trust at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University recently, Assistant Inspector Elton Masamha, said the most common crime was of girls been raped at parties after having their drinks spiked with drugs.
“Bindura has several gold buyers, who are commonly referred to as ‘blessers’ because they offer female students money and gifts in exchange for sexual favours,” he said. “I want to warn female students that entering into relationship with these men increases their chances of being sexually abused.
“Don’t be lured by money. We have noted that this normally leads to sexual assault. When you go to a party, don’t consume drinks that have already been opened or poured into a container, the possibility is that it is laced with drugs.
“Our CID drugs and narcotics department has detected over 20 drugs that are used at these parties. Most of the drugs don’t change the colour, odour or taste of the drink or food.
When you leave your drink or food unattended, don’t continue eating or drinking it when you return, but look for another drink and food.
“In most cases, drugged people don’t remember what happened to them, they cannot give evidence on how they were sexually assaulted. Your boyfriend is a potential abuser.”
Asst Insp Masamha advised students staying off campus to change the locks to their rooms and to avoid travelling during the night.
“Don’t hesitate to approach the police at any given time and report rape cases timeously,” he said. “The Victim Friendly Unit was established in 1996 after it emerged that people were not being handled fairly by service providers, including the police.
“In Mashonaland Central, VFU was set up in 2001. You are free to invite us to churches and schools so that we teach on crime trends.”
Online Reporter