Police raise alarm over rape cases among relatives
POLICE have noted with concern an increase in rape cases involving relatives.
Among the most affected communities are those where large families are forced to live in one-or-two-roomed cottages.
This environment, authorities say, increases children’s vulnerability to sexual abuse.
Superintendent Absalm Mukavhi, the second officer responsible for crime in Mbare District, warned residents against concealing such cases.
He said perpetrators often evade justice when reports are withheld.
Speaking during an awareness campaign in Madhirihora and Musasa Retreat areas in Waterfalls, Supt Mukavhi addressed residents alongside Community Relations Liaison and Victim Friendly Unit officers.
In an interview on the sidelines of the campaign, Supt Mukavhi said rape cases, sexual abuse of minor children, and theft crimes have become particularly worrying.
“Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, and our district commander Chief Superintendent Runwell Chipfurutse, have noted with concern an increase in rape cases involving relatives, robberies, and sexual abuse of minor children,” said Supt Mukavhi.
He added that new residential areas, where families live in crammed rooms to save money, have become a threat to children’s safety.
“We are running this awareness campaign to fight these cases, some of which go unreported,” he said.
Supt Mukavhi also noted that some relatives receive money and valuables – such as beasts and cash – in exchange for keeping quiet after abuse.
“The purpose of this campaign is to urge people to report any sexual abuse cases and to avoid mixing adults of different sexes in the same room when sleeping, particularly where children are involved,” he said.
He said relatives often conceal rape cases, allowing perpetrators to go unidentified and unpunished.
“We are concerned about these cases and we are urging communities to join hands in bringing the culprits to book,” Supt Mukavhi added.During the campaign, police officers urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and to build trust so that minors feel safe enough to share any challenges or abuse they face.
Residents were also encouraged to maintain positive relationships with neighbours to help with community monitoring, especially when parents are away.
Officers who took part in the exercise included Assistant Inspector Gloria Chidawanyika, Sergeant Tabeth Mapuranga, and members of the district
victim-friendly unit, Sergeant Thandiwe Hlabano. Herald
