POLICE have disclosed that at least 11 girls were raped daily in Zimbabwe with relatives and boyfriends cited as the perpetrators in most cases.
BY XOLISANI NCUBE
The chilling statistics were given by national police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba while addressing a school headgirls’ summit in the capital yesterday,
Charamba said more than 325 girls were sexually abused monthly, translating to 81 cases weekly, adding the figure could actually be higher as some of the victims were afraid of exposing their abusive relatives.
“Of these cases, the majority of the reported cases are against the 11 to 15-year age group. This does not mean that the 16 to 18-year age group is spared, but maybe less reported,” she said.
“Most perpetrators usually threaten their victims with assault or death, among other unspecified threats. Others promise victims cash or some eats such as sweets to prevent disclosure.”
“The 11 to 15-year age group tends not to take heed of the threats, hence they come forward to report. Others in this group are, however, raped by their boyfriends. We urge you to report these cases.”
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Charamba said besides rape, girls were also exposed to drug abuse mostly at nude parties that have become so common within the city.
“Adolescents think that drug and substance abuse removes or reduces inhibition and makes them feel confident to talk to boys, going to night clubs and nude parties and having sex without being shy about it,” she said.
The police spokesperson was speaking as a panellist to motivate the school head girls so that they could aim high in the future and dream big.
Other panellists included Standards Association of Zimbabwe director Eve Gadzikwa, Women University in Africa vice-chancellor Hope Sadza and Women Affairs acting minister Chris Mushohwe, who also lamented the rampant abuse of the girl child by relatives. The summit was supposed to be officially opened by First Lady Grace Mugabe, but she did not turn up and no reasons were given.
