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Justice Rita Makarau

Chinhoyi Bureau
Judicial Services Commission secretary Justice Rita Makarau has expressed concern over high incidences of violent crimes such as domestic violence in the province. She said there was need to investigate why cases of domestic violence were higher in Darwendale than any other area. Justice Makarau said this after being briefed by Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Mrs Jessie Kufa during her on-going tour.

“We have just been receiving a brief from the provincial magistrate (Mrs Jessie Kufa) and in places such as Chegutu and Kadoma we have a high prevalence of violence-related crimes. Violence is the prevalent crime and we do not know why. We have also been advised that there is a lot of domestic violence in places like Darwendale,” she said.

Justice Makarau said there was need to investigate and establish the reasons for such scenarios. She said violence in Kadoma and Chegutu was mostly related to artisanal mining following reports of gold discoveries in the areas. After failing to get the fortune, some of the people who usually wield machetes, end up committing violent crimes to get money for sustenance. Justice Makarau’s comment comes a few days after the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued an order prohibiting the carrying of dangerous weapons such as machetes, knives and axes in the province following a surge in robberies and rape. Another hotspot is Kariba District where poaching and violation of the Parks and Wildlife Act are prevalent.