GOVERNMENT has urged women who were allegedly raped by some
rogue members of security forces to report the abuse to the police.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is also urging Non
Governmental Organisations (NGOs) providing so-called safe houses for victims
to facilitate the reporting of such cases so that due process can take place.
Despite a glut of allegations of systematic rape by
security forces, only one case has been reported — in Chitungwiza — and is
being investigated.
In separate statements yesterday, Information, Publicity
and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and police spokesperson
Commissioner Charity Charamba urged women to take advantage of the police
Victim Friendly Units (VFUs), which are manned by female officers, to open up.
The State also guarantees the safety of victims.
“Rape is a heinous crime, cognisant of this fact, it is the
duty of the police to investigate all reported cases of alleged rape,” Minister
Mutsvangwa said.
“However, to date, only one case of rape has been reported
in Chitungwiza and the police are seized with investigations on the matter.
“All women who were allegedly raped are encouraged to come
forward and report the cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly
Units which can be found at every police station around the country,” added
Minister Mutsvangwa.
She assured the victims that their safety was guaranteed. “All women, who were allegedly raped, are encouraged to
come forward and report the cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim
Friendly Unit which can be found at every police station around the country.
The unit is led by a female Commissioner, hence, all affected women will be
treated with empathy, compassion, respect and due care. Their safety will be
guaranteed,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said Government will not condone criminal behaviour by
any member of the society.
Minister Mutsvangwa urged the rape victims to report timely
to the police.
“Government does not condone and will never tolerate
criminal behaviour by any member of society particularly those in positions of
trust.
“Government wishes to underscore that it is critical for
rape cases to be reported in a timely manner to the police. While reporting
cases to NGOs for counselling services is helpful, the police can only act on
alleged cases if victims come forward, Government urges the NGOs to encourage
and support women who approach them to report the cases to the Police Victim
Friendly Unit,” she said.
She said in order to ensure the anonymity of victims of the
alleged rape cases, the affected women could use the following WhatsApp number,
0712800 197.
Commissioner Charamba appealed to NGOs to encourage alleged
victims they were housing to report to the police in the interest of justice.
“In the same vein, we are appealing to Non Governmental and
Human Rights Organisations who are allegedly providing shelter to alleged
victims to consider the rights of the individuals concerned and encourage them
to make official police reports. Preventing them from exercising their right of
access to justice (making police reports) is doing them disfavour as the police
have a constitutional mandate to investigate all such cases and refer them to
court, justice delayed is justice denied. All aggrieved members of the public
should come forward and report to the police so that thorough and comprehensive
investigations are conducted,” said Commissioner Charamba.
Meanwhile, the security services have arrested several
individuals who have been committing various crimes following the recent riots,
including some clad in military uniforms.
According to police, one Tranos Muzanenhamo (28) was
arrested in Epworth, Harare, after he was found clad in military attire.
“Investigations are underway to establish where he got the
military outfit and ascertain any other offences he might have committed,” she
said.
In another case, a Harare man was arrested as he attempted to have a military identity card
produced in his name.
“We once again thank members of the public who continue to
provide valuable information to the police which has led to recovery of looted
goods and account for those involved in public violence,” Comm Charamba said.
Herald
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