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Fairness Moyana, Hwange Correspondent
POLICE in Hwange will tomorrow launch an anti-sexual violence campaign at Lwendulu Old Ground following a surge in cases of child marriages, rape and sexual abuse against children and women in the district.

The launch, which will be preceded by a march from OK supermarket to Lwendulu Old Ground, is being supported by World Vision and runs under the theme – “It takes Hwange to end all sexual abuse violence against children”.

The Officer Commanding Hwange District, Chief Superintendent Newton Mutomba, said the increase in sexual violence against children and women was a cause for concern.

“All is set for the launch scheduled for this Friday and its coming against the backdrop of an increase in sexual violence cases against children and women. This is a cause for concern which warrants a response hence we are going to be carrying out awareness campaigns to that effect.

“The essence of this campaign is to alert victims and their guardians against cases of early marriages and child sexual abuse. We want to impart information on that and warn would be offenders,” said Chief Supt Mutomba.

“We are running a zero tolerance for child sexual abuse campaign. We want people to respect the sanctity of the girl child and this awareness campaign is meant to deal with that. So the march will take-off at 9am from OK supermarket to the venue where the main speech will be delivered. We are inviting everyone to come and be part of this change.”

Chief Supt Mutomba warned communities encouraging child marriages out of cultural beliefs that the law would descend mercilessly on those that continue to trample on women and children’s rights.

“Communities here condone early child marriages and these practices are based on cultural beliefs and that is unlawful. So we would want to change that mindset so that they adhere to the laws as related to rape and sexual acts. It is interesting to note that perpetrators or abusers could be close relatives, neighbours, step parents and even strangers,” he said.

Chief Supt Mutomba said they were going to be engaging community and traditional leaders, councillors, Department of Social Welfare and other stakeholders in fighting the scourge.

He said the campaign would be extended to other areas such as Binga, Lusulu, Siabuwa, Dete and Kamativi that have recorded significant cases of sexual offences.

“We will also continue to work with the courts, the Department of Social Welfare who deal with probation as well with teachers and headmasters so that awareness is extended to schools where the majority of potential victims are. They will in turn cascade the information to their respective communities.”