News / National
124 girls raped in less than 2 weeks: ZRP
15 Sep 2011 at 23:25hrs | Views
ZRP Chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena confirmed on Thursday that one hundred and twenty four (124) girls have been raped between September 2 and 13 this year, country wide, The Herald reported on Friday.
Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena attributed some rape cases to negligence by guardians and parents who left juveniles in the custody of relatives and strangers for long periods.
"It is at this particular time that these girls are raped in most cases by persons who are known to the relatives. We appeal to the courts to mete out deterrent punishments to those convicted of such offences," he said.
Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said the highest number of rape cases were recorded in Harare, Midlands and Mashonaland East provinces.
On the 25 murder cases, Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said the level was unprecedented as normally four cases were reported a week countrywide.
"But this has multiplied three times the normal average per week. Mostly, some of these cases could have been avoided," he said.
Police attributed the surge in murder cases to drunkeness, petty arguments and economic hardships with people fighting over amounts ranging from US$1 to US$10.
He urged people to seek counselling from relatives or the police.
Harare recorded the highest number of armed robberies with nine, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East recorded two each, while Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central had one each.
The police spokesperson said robbers were targeting mostly taxis which then they use to commit crimes.
He urged businesspeople to desist from keeping large amounts of cash at home or their business premises.
Some thieves masquerade as police officers when approaching their targets.
"Even if they are wearing police uniform, they should ask for the police identification particulars, which shows the face of the officer, force number, rank, name, date of birth and international registration number," Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said.
Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena attributed some rape cases to negligence by guardians and parents who left juveniles in the custody of relatives and strangers for long periods.
"It is at this particular time that these girls are raped in most cases by persons who are known to the relatives. We appeal to the courts to mete out deterrent punishments to those convicted of such offences," he said.
Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said the highest number of rape cases were recorded in Harare, Midlands and Mashonaland East provinces.
On the 25 murder cases, Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said the level was unprecedented as normally four cases were reported a week countrywide.
"But this has multiplied three times the normal average per week. Mostly, some of these cases could have been avoided," he said.
Police attributed the surge in murder cases to drunkeness, petty arguments and economic hardships with people fighting over amounts ranging from US$1 to US$10.
He urged people to seek counselling from relatives or the police.
Harare recorded the highest number of armed robberies with nine, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East recorded two each, while Midlands, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central had one each.
The police spokesperson said robbers were targeting mostly taxis which then they use to commit crimes.
He urged businesspeople to desist from keeping large amounts of cash at home or their business premises.
Some thieves masquerade as police officers when approaching their targets.
"Even if they are wearing police uniform, they should ask for the police identification particulars, which shows the face of the officer, force number, rank, name, date of birth and international registration number," Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena said.
Source - The Herald
