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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
Bulawayo police have expressed concern at the upsurge in cases of juveniles being raped by relatives which are averaging more than 10 a week.

They said most parents of the victims try to conceal the abuse and as such the bulk of reported cases were coming from school authorities after victims confide in friends or teachers.

Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday urged parents and guardians to promptly report sexual abuse cases to the police even in cases where relatives are the culprits.

He said attempting to conceal a rape case was tantamount to trying to defeat the course of justice.

“Police in Bulawayo have noted with concern the increase in rape cases involving juveniles. We are receiving about 14 cases of rape a week and most of them are of juveniles raped by relatives. Sadly parents are concealing most of the cases especially if they involve a relative or their lovers. In so doing they are violating a section of the Child Protection and Adoption Act.

“As police we’re worried about cases of sexual abuse and we’re appealing to members of the public to help combat the crime. We’re disappointed that we’ve individuals who still believe that juvenile sex cures certain ailments. Juveniles are being raped by close relatives such as uncles, cousins, their mothers’ lovers and tenants,” said Insp Ncube.

He said last Friday an eight- year old girl from Gwabalanda suburb in Bulawayo arrived home from school and found her cousin (19) seated in the lounge watching television while her mother was at work.

Insp Ncube said the cousin allegedly raped her once.

“When her mother arrived home at around 5PM, the victim told her what had happened but she did not report the matter. Four days later, noticing withdrawal symptoms by the child, her teacher questioned her and she revealed the matter. The teacher reported the matter to police and it was then discovered that the mother knew about the abuse but had chosen to conceal it to protect her relative,” said Insp Ncube.

The suspect fled and is still at large.

In another incident which occurred on the same day, a Form Three pupil arrived from school and found their maid seated in the Lounge.

“He pushed her to the floor and raped her once without protection. The maid reported the matter to police and the juvenile was arrested,” said Insp Ncube.

He said it was important for rape cases to be reported as soon as possible to enable authorities to take measures to minimise the victims’ risk of contracting HIV and Aids.

In 2016, the National police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba revealed that 325 teenagers were being raped monthly countrywide.

—@winnie_masara