News / National
Rape of juveniles on the increase in Zimbabwe
30 Mar 2012 at 17:10hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has expressed concern over the increase in cases of rape of juveniles that has increased by 10% in 2011 as compared to 2010.
In 2011, 3 172 cases of rape of juveniles were recorded translating to a 10% jump from the 2010 figures which stood at 2 883.
ZRP Deputy Commissioner General Operations, Innocent Matibiri condemned rape of juveniles as a heinous crime and called for all stakeholders to come together and find a solution.
The reason behind the increase in these statistics is not yet established.
The sad development comes against efforts by government and other stakeholders to protect children against abuse such as the establishment of victim friendly courts and other laws.
Some have doubted the effectiveness of responsible authorities in addressing the problem, especially the failure to channel enough resources towards fighting such vices as rape of juveniles.
In February, last month, a four year old girl from Avondale West was kidnapped from her home in the early hours of the day and was gang raped.
No arrests have been made up to now.
Questions have also been raised on why there is no independent ministry that represents children's interests in parliament.
However, despite the increase in cases of rape of children, police managed to reduce other crimes of concern by 4%.
Meanwhile, Rimuka Police Station has been crowned the National ZRP Station of the Year at a ceremony held at the Police Club in Harare.
Sakubva came out second, while third place went to Hillside from Bulawayo.
In 2011, 3 172 cases of rape of juveniles were recorded translating to a 10% jump from the 2010 figures which stood at 2 883.
ZRP Deputy Commissioner General Operations, Innocent Matibiri condemned rape of juveniles as a heinous crime and called for all stakeholders to come together and find a solution.
The reason behind the increase in these statistics is not yet established.
The sad development comes against efforts by government and other stakeholders to protect children against abuse such as the establishment of victim friendly courts and other laws.
In February, last month, a four year old girl from Avondale West was kidnapped from her home in the early hours of the day and was gang raped.
No arrests have been made up to now.
Questions have also been raised on why there is no independent ministry that represents children's interests in parliament.
However, despite the increase in cases of rape of children, police managed to reduce other crimes of concern by 4%.
Meanwhile, Rimuka Police Station has been crowned the National ZRP Station of the Year at a ceremony held at the Police Club in Harare.
Sakubva came out second, while third place went to Hillside from Bulawayo.
Source - zbc
