Nqobizwe Thebe
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raised the alarm over a disturbing surge in rape and sexual abuse cases across the country, with perpetrators often being individuals entrusted with the care and safety of their victims. In a statement released yesterday, the ZRP highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address this growing crisis, particularly the abuse of minors.
According to the ZRP, the majority of sexual abuse and rape cases involve minors, with perpetrators frequently being family members or individuals in positions of trust. Brothers, nephews, guardians, and other relatives have been implicated in these heinous crimes. The police also revealed that strangers are increasingly targeting minors on their way to or from school, luring them with sweets, money, drinks, or offers of transportation. In urban areas, young girls are being sexually abused by landlords or individuals with whom they share accommodation. Shockingly, there have also been reports of self-proclaimed prophets exploiting minors under the guise of offering spiritual assistance, often with the complicity of parents or guardians.
“It is deeply disturbing that some of these perpetrators are individuals expected to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. Instead, they are exploiting and abusing the trust placed in them. In some cases, parents are even complicit, either aiding the perpetrators or concealing the crimes,” the ZRP statement read.
The ZRP provided harrowing details of recent cases to underscore the severity of the issue. On February 25, 2025, a 5-year-old girl was sexually abused by an unknown suspect in a bushy area near Bravoland Mine Compound in Mberengwa while returning from school. In September 2024, a 13-year-old girl was raped by her 36-year-old uncle in Mutawatawa, Murewa, after she went to collect food from the kitchen. Between February 2024 and November 2024, a 14-year-old girl in Lusulu was repeatedly sexually abused by her uncle. The victim attempted to report the abuse to the suspect’s brother, but the matter was swept under the rug until the girl began experiencing severe stomach pains.
The ZRP has issued a stern warning to parents and relatives who attempt to conceal cases of sexual abuse, emphasizing that such actions constitute obstruction of justice and are punishable by law. To combat this crisis, the police are calling on the public to join forces with law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to raise awareness and take proactive measures to protect children. The ZRP urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or incidents of abuse.
The rise in rape and sexual abuse cases in Zimbabwe is a national emergency that requires urgent intervention. The ZRP’s statement serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of children. By working together, the nation can create a safer environment for its most vulnerable citizens and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
