Deputy minister Madiro encourages people to report incest cases

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Mike Madiro has encouraged people to report cases of incest indicating that it is a crime in Zimbabwe.

Madiro made the remarks during debate in parliament.

"I wish to point out that cases of incest naturally fall under the cluster of crimes of passion which in the majority of times are committed clandestinely. They can only be brought to the fore when the incestuous relationship turns sour or is discovered by relatives,"he said.

"Be that as it may, I want to assure the Hon. Senators that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is currently carrying out intensive awareness campaigns throughout the country and the thrust is mainly on cases such as incest and other prevalent crimes."

Mr. President, in the process of raising awareness among communities, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is engaging traditional and civic leaders, schools and other respectable members of the society to assist in spreading the word on the repercussions of engaging in criminal activities such as incest and of course, other general crimes. The ZRP is also currently intensifying community engagement process to find a lasting solution to this problem. The response by the communities has been positive and overwhelming. I also wish to point out that in the unfortunate event that a crime of incest is committed, the ZRP invokes the necessary legal instruments to bring the culprits to book and ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour. I thank you.