Harare police in anti-rape drive

antirape27decHerald Reporter
Police in Harare yesterday launched an operation to curb the sudden upsurge of rape cases in maize fields in most of the capital’s high-density suburbs. Acting spokesperson for Harare province Assistant Inspector Tarirai Dube said the police were stepping up patrols in high-density suburbs to reduce cases of rape.  “We have launched Operation Bhinya Muchibage as a measure to curb the sudden prevalence of rape cases in maize fields in most high-density areas of Harare,” she said.
At least three cases of rape in maize fields were reported last week.

Asst Insp Dube said the police had launched the operation to make sure people were aware of the seriousness of the offence of rape and to remind them of the need to stay safe.
“We are taking action to spread awareness through campaigns before the statistics increase,” she said.

“Last week a woman was raped on her way from High Glen Shopping Centre using a footpath. Three men waylaid her along the way and took turns to rape her in a maize field.”

In another incident, a woman boarded a kombi in the city centre intending to go to Budiriro.
On board were seven passengers, both male and female. Along the way the driver diverted towards Dzivaresekwa and stopped near a maize field near Dzivaresekwa 4 Primary School.

Two men who disembarked from the kombi force marched her into the maize field and robbed her of a BlackBerry cellphone and US$30 before raping her once.
Asst Insp Dube said another incident took place in the Gazaland area of Highfield. “A woman left Whispers Night Club and an unknown man started following her demanding to have sex with her. The woman refused before the man produced a knife and stabbed her once in the right eye.

“The man dragged her into a nearby maize field and raped her once,” she said.
Asst Insp Dube has warned women against using pathways through maize fields as they risked being raped.

“The public is also urged not to use short cuts that pass through maize fields but rather use the longer way to avoid such encounters.
“Commuters should board kombis at the designated places in order to safeguard themselves against rapists,” she said.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey