Police in Bulawayo have issued a stern warning to sexual offenders targeting underage girls, saying law enforcement authorities will work tirelessly to ensure perpetrators are arrested and jailed.
The warning was delivered by Detective Assistant Inspector Sibanda during Culture Day commemorations hosted by female members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in partnership with female pastors in Bulawayo on Thursday.
Speaking during the event, Det Asst Insp Sibanda described the sexual abuse of minors as deeply disturbing and condemned adults who prey on children.
“It is very concerning that a grown man would look at a child with lust and sexually violate her. That is not acceptable behaviour from someone who is supposed to be protecting children,” she said.
She also criticised parents and guardians who conceal rape cases in an attempt to shield perpetrators from prosecution.
“In some cases, mothers and guardians are failing their children. Children report sexual assault cases, but parents and elders sometimes sweep them under the carpet to protect the perpetrator from going to jail because they are breadwinners,” she said.
“This affects the child in a very serious way.”
Det Asst Insp Sibanda urged communities to report all rape cases to the police.
“All rape cases must be reported so that we can rid society of people who violate children. There are many adult women out there, instead of preying on innocent children,” she said.
She added that some sexual offences are committed under the influence of drugs, alcohol or sexual enhancement substances.
“In some cases, these offences are committed by people under the influence of drugs or alcohol who are not thinking properly at that moment,” she said.
“In other cases, some men take sexual enhancement substances and end up violating young children.”
She urged men to make responsible decisions and protect children from harm.
“We are encouraging men in our communities to make better decisions and protect young children instead of harming them,” she said.
A local pastor who also spoke during the commemorations condemned child sexual abuse and called for tougher action against offenders.
“We cannot condone such behaviour from men. We cannot have our children being sexually violated by people who are supposed to protect them,” she said.
“A responsible man should be able to distinguish between a child and an adult woman. How does one mistake a minor for a woman to engage in sexual intercourse with?”
She said offenders deserved imprisonment.
“Such people should be sent to jail where they belong. We do not want such criminals in our communities.”
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today
Leave a Reply