By Staff Reporter
Rape cases committed by relatives are on the increase, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has said.
Midlands Province Police Spokesperson said that they are concerned with cases of rape against girls and women being committed by relatives or people known and trusted by survivors.
“Police have noted with great concern that rape cases against women and children which are perpetrated by either relatives or people known to them continue to rise. Observations indicate that these rape cases occur at any time of the day both in urban and rural areas. They are committed by men usually trusted by victims. Some trusted people take advantage and rape vulnerable women and young children.
Some are claimed to be influenced by traditional beliefs, poverty, or other factors,” he said.
Mahoko said the call comes in the backdrop of six reports of Rape having been received in Midlands Province during the period 4 to 5 January 2024. They happened as follows:
“Under Chief Chireya, Mumvura Village, Gokwe North, a 9-year-old girl was raped by her uncle after being left in his custody. One Noah Chinovhiringa aged 52 was arrested in connection with the case.
In Hwata village, Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru, a 17-year-old juvenile was sexually attacked by an uncle. The uncle Max Tshuma aged 50 years is being investigated in the case and we are keen to locate and interview him.
In the same Lower Gweru area, Gabuza village under Chief Bunina a 14-year-old girl was raped by a stepfather while her mother had gone away leaving the two alone at home. William Chitawa aged 40 years is being suspected in the case and we seek assistance from the public to locate him,” he said.
He added, “In Chicago residential suburb, Kwekwe, a 15-year-old girl was raped while looking for employment as a maid. A 35-year-old man offered her night accommodation, purportedly to wait for someone who needed a maid. During the night, she was raped. Proud Maposa was arrested in connection with the case.
In Ruby under Gweru Rural District, a 39 years old woman was raped by her father-in-law who entered the bathroom where she was bathing. Maxen Dube aged 68 is being sought by the police and we seek assistance from the public to arrest him.
The last case happened in the Goha area, village Magomana under Chief Mahlabadza in Mberengwa
a 22-year-old woman was sexually abused by her ex-boyfriend who had found her herding cattle in a bush. Misent Moyo aged 36 was picked up to answer questions with regards to the matter,” he said.
Mahoko called on the public to report rape cases.
“We appeal to members of the public to ensure that they report all cases of abuse or suspected abuse at any police station. It is also encouraged to make use of suggestion boxes or social media platforms such as WhatsApp on Police numbers provided by the Police.
We are also working with other organizations that deal with crimes of passion where women and girls are enlightened on how to safeguard themselves from falling prey to sexual predators, as well as what to do in case they are abused,” he said.
