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Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
Police have challenged the public to join the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking and sexual abuse.

Speaking at the launch of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Nyazura last Friday, officer commanding Manicaland province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Dorothy Kupara said people should report all GBV and sexual offences. Snr Asst Comm Kupara said women and girls were the most vulnerable groups.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is disheartening to note that our women and children continue to suffer at the hands of criminals who disregard their human dignity and value. Over the years, their immense contribution to the socio-economic well-being of their immediate families and the country at large has been undermined by acts of criminality, which has impacted negatively against the prosperity of this country,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Kupara said there was need for a multi-sectoral approach to fighting GBV and sexual abuse. She said Rusape had the highest number of sexual offences between May and October this year, followed by Mutare rural district.

Rusape, she added, had the highest number of domestic violence cases during the same period. Mutare Central recorded 62 sexual offences and 166 cases of domestic violence.

“Mutare rural had 99 sexual offences and 139 domestic violence and abuse (DVA) cases. Nyanga carried 61 cases, 84 domestic cases, while Chipinge had 83 sexual offences and 73 DVA cases. In Rusape, 205 sexual crimes have been reported, with 220 DVA offences having been committed,” she said.

In total, 510 sexual offences were committed in Manicaland, with 682 domestic violence cases committed between May and October this year. Snr Asst Comm Kupara assured the public that police would assist all victims of GBV. She urged victims to have confidence in police as they handled their complaints.

“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, let me assure you that victims of domestic and gender-based violence will receive maximum support from police. I also urge victims to have confidence that whenever they file a police report, they will receive justice and the perpetrators will be brought to book,” she said.

“As concerned citizens, it is of paramount importance to take a leading role in the fight against domestic violence, and this can be achieved by adopting a general attitude of leading a responsible life in terms of behaviour.

“It is important to always seek a third party when it seems couples of any family members are not reaching a solution or when it becomes apparent that misunderstandings are now involving emotions.”