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Mirriam Madiye

Features Writer

An increase recorded in child abuse cases over the first three months of 2021 is worrying. 

Latest statistics provided by police reflect a worrying trend which may continue if not nipped in the bud. 

Speaking to The Herald, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Covid-19 lockdown phase and the abuse of drugs and alcohol were the major contributors to the increase in reported child abuse cases.

“Our statistics reflect that there were 2 103 combined cases of abuse on juveniles from January to March 2021 as compared to 1 843 in the same period in 2020,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“The increase may be attributed to the Covid-19 lockdown in which schools were closed and children confined in homes and also drug and alcohol abuse.

“The young children misused their cellphones when they were taking part in their online lessons. Instead of them focusing on the lessons, they would communicate with their friends and lovers thereby fuelling cases of sexual intercourse between them.” 

Asst Comm Nyathi highlighted that neighbours and relatives were the main perpetrators of sexual abuse cases.

He said children, especially teenagers, should be educated on the dangers of engaging in pre-marital relationships and abuse of drugs. 

“The community and neighbours should immediately report to their nearest police station by any means possible whenever they witness that the child is being abused.

“Parents must encourage their children to move in groups and whenever possible parents or guardians should accompany their children to and from school as now cases of school children murders are on the increase.” 

Women Action Group director Mrs Edina Masiiwa highlighted that cases of child abuse had increased drastically, especially during this period. 

“Statistics of child abuse are very alarming and disturbing and immediate action must be taken to address the situation,” she said.

“Different issues have played a hand on the increase, especially the issue of sexual gender based violence and also leaving children with the wrong people.

“There is need to continue raising awareness to the people especially the children about the issue of abuse, and that they should report such cases to the police so that the culprits can be brought to book and face the law.” 

Mrs Masiiwa discouraged parents and guardians from leaving their children unattended or with people they do not trust. 

It is the collective responsibility of everyone in the society to look after children and to see whether or not they have a decent upbringing and that their needs and wants are met. 

Children are the future of the nation and protecting them is a priority.

Cases of child marriages, rape, murders, ill-treatment, indecent assault and neglect have become common stories for children circulating in the newspapers.

On March 13 this year, The Herald carried a story headlined “13-year-old endures a 3-year sexual abuse.” 

In this story, the 13-year-old girl was first married when she was 10, divorced and currently she is married to a 40-year-old Mabvuku man and she is six months pregnant.

 The Chronicle on February 26 carried a story of a 51-year-old man who raped and impregnated an 18-year-old physically challenged girl.

On October 22, last year, the Chronicle carried a story of a 49-year-old man from Lower Gweru who allegedly impregnated his 15-year old stepdaughter after raping her three times.

The Herald on March 16 this year carried a story with a headline that read: “Man burns own children with plastic.”

The 31-year-old man burnt his three children with plastics after accusing them of eating boiled mealies.

On April 16, The Herald carried a story titled “Woman jailed for incest with three minor sons.”

In this story, the 58-year-old mother from Beatrice sexually abused her three minor sons aged eight (twins) and another six-year-old.

The woman shared a room with the children and made them sleep on the floor, from where she would pick them up to the bed one by one and sexually abuse them.

On April 18, The Herald had a story entitled, “Grade one pupils murders: 2 suspects nabbed.”

The two Grade One pupils Dilan and Melissa Benza were allegedly killed in cold blood on their way home from Mbaza Primary School and their bodies were found the following day dumped in a disused toilet at an abandoned homestead after searchers followed a trail of blood.

The police arrested the two suspects, Solomon Munyama and Passmore Kumbirai Sambaza, in connection with the murder case.

 Analysing all these stories, one wonders what has become of today’s society. 

After going through such forms of abuse, such a child would not have a normal life.

The onus is on parents, guardians and the society at large to play a part in ensuring that children are protected all the times. 

Any form of abuse can lead to long lasting effects and even life long consequences, and a serious problem on the individual, families and the society at large.

There is need to report cases of abuse immediately to the nearest police station or the police Victim Friendly Unit.

Communities can also help in reducing cases of child abuse by openly speaking against such.

The supreme law, the Constitution, has section 19 which focuses on children’s rights.

It clearly sets out that the State must adopt policies and measures to ensure that in matters relating to children, the best interests of the children concerned are paramount.

Section 19 (2) (C) of the Constitution says: “The State must adopt reasonable policies and measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to ensure that children are protected from maltreatment, neglect or any form of abuse.”

Despite concerted efforts by the government, non-governmental and local organisations such Msasa Project, Women Action Group, Justice for Children Trust and many others to fight child abuse, cases still arise while some go undetected.

It is time this comes to an end and it takes everyone to play their part.