Inspector Charity Mazula
Nyasha Marumbi
MASVINGO – In response to the increase in rape cases against the disabled, especially the mentally challenged as well as the elderly, police in Masvingo have released a statement warning members of the public to treat any male person as a potential sexual abuser.
In the statement, provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Charity Mazula advises the community that the disabled and young children remain particularly vulnerable to cases of sexual abuse especially by close family members and other ‘trusted’ persons.
She urges collective protection of these vulnerable groups from people around them because the perpetrators normally take advantage of their limited physical capabilities to defend themselves.
“Parents are also advised to accompany little girls to and from school and avoid secluded roads and shun herding cattle alone since most perpetrators are taking advantage of the thick bushes to rape children coming from school,” the statements reads.
The statement also highlights that most cases of sexual abuse in the province are as a result of negligence on the part of parents and caregivers.
Members of the public are also advised that it is no longer time for the community to trust any male person and leave the girl child in their custody no matter how respectful they may appear to be.local
