Police in Bulawayo have expressed concern over the number of rape and other sexual offences being reported in the province, saying cases continue to occur almost daily.
Speaking at a National Crime Awareness Campaign held in the city on Thursday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said rape remained one of the province’s most worrying crimes.
She said police recorded 28 rape cases in June 2026 alone. During the same month, there were 22 cases of sexual intercourse with a minor, five cases of indecent assault and two cases of aggravated indecent assault.
“As the police, we are worried about the prevalence of rape cases in Bulawayo. We urge parents to be more vigilant in protecting their children. Children are not safe when left in the care of people who cannot be trusted,” Insp Msebele said.
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“There are many cases where fathers sexually assault their own daughters. Imagine how dangerous it can be to leave your child with someone you do not completely trust.”
She urged parents and guardians to supervise children more closely and remain alert to signs of abuse.
Inspector Msebele also warned congregants against situations that could expose them to sexual abuse by unscrupulous religious leaders.
“It is not only young girls who are at risk of sexual abuse. Adult women are also victims. Sometimes people let their guard down. How do you get convinced by a pastor to go into the bush alone for prayers? If there is a need for such prayers, always insist on going as a group,” she said.
“The same applies to pastors from modern churches who conduct one-on-one counselling or prayer sessions. It is not always a case of men abusing women. A man of God can also be lured into compromising situations. Always ensure there are other people present during private counselling or prayer sessions.”
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