Police bust sexual perverts syndicate

POLICE in Harare have busted a social media criminal syndicate which has been targeting and luring schoolboys for sodomy.

Addressing journalists in the capital yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the perverts were using social media to induct young boys to sodomy and gay activities.

Nyathi said one of the suspects, Emmanuel Chatikobo alias Lemmie Gwaku (48) had been arrested and arraigned before the courts.

He said the other suspect, Richard Padzarondora (44), who was linked to the group passed away while police were still conducting investigations.

"The future of young stars is at stake and is threatened by this social media where we now have a group which is waylaying children at schools. In the process, boys are being abused and initiated into sodomy activities and gay activities," Nyathi said.

Police said the case of a 16-year-old schoolboy (name withheld), who was kidnapped in Mbare, Harare, on June 29, 2021, opened the can of worms.

He said the boy was located by the Criminal Investigations Department detectives in Bulawayo on October 13, 2021, after being hidden by a member of the social media group, but has since been reunited with his parents while awaiting medical examinations and counselling.

"The group comprises both young and old who communicate mostly through Facebook and WhatsApp," Nyathi said.

"The communication is discreet and leads to dating where sexual activities are conducted at certain lodges and houses. This group has some people who own businesses, people who live in these flashy suburbs and some people who live in towns throughout the country."

Nyathi called on stakeholders, including parents and the community, to provide the police with information that could help them to the arrest of more suspects.