Rape cases increase by 5% in Zim

RAPE cases have increased countrywide by five percent in the first half of the year with 2 440 cases recorded as compared to 2 326 recorded in 2012 with most cases perpetrated on children, an official has said.

In an interview yesterday, National Police spokesperson Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka said the force was concerned by such an alarming rate of rape cases, especially when they relate to juveniles.

"1 628 children were raped countrywide out of the 2 440 cases reported in the first half of the year, compared to 2012 where a total of 2 326 cases were recorded of which 1 553 were perpetrated on juveniles," said Supt Chishaka.

He appealed to parents not to leave their children in the custody of potential rapists.

"Rape cases are fuelled by a number of reasons, one of them being carelessness of parents and other custodians.

"We continue to implore parents to strictly have an oversight over their children and to ensure that they are not left in the custody of strangers. Children should be taught to avoid using bushy roads as they often fall prey to rapists in these areas," he said.

Supt Chishaka said police are disturbed by the fact that children continue to be bear the brunt of sexual offences.

"Parents should not leave minors in the custody of male relatives or their neighbours' as they go about their activities. This exposes them to sexual abuse."

He said the crime of rape was also popular in adult population where victims are forced into submission.

"We continue to impress even on the adult population that the carnal knowledge of a woman without her consent constitutes the crime of rape. Whilst it is admitted that in every consent there is submission, it does not necessarily follow that in every submission someone would have consented."

In a report released in December 2012, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit said neighbours accounted for 41 percent of perpetrators, while relatives left in care of children were culpable for 27 percent.