Venus Charumbira
Courts and Crimes Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
BULAWAYO – As the festive season approaches, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to families and communities to prioritise safety especially in protecting children and reducing crime during the holidays.
Speaking during the road traffic symposium launch and drugs awareness, Inspector Prosper Tshuma of ZRP Tshabalala urged residents travelling for the holidays to register their homes for temporary police supervision.
“Homeowners can request police to keep an eye on their properties while they are away for a maximum of one week. This helps prevent break-ins which tend to rise during the holidays,” she said.
“It is a measure aimed at curbing the rise of unlawful entry and theft cases reported during festive periods”.
She also warned against the dangers of using unregistered vehicles, Honda Fit and mshikashika taxis especially for young women and girls as rape cases rise from that.
“Many rape cases we handle originate from people boarding these vehicles especially Honda Fits. Parents must warn girl children not to board Honda Fits in order to avoid becoming victims of such crimes”, she said.
Inspector Tshuma further warned families against allowing children to sleep with male relatives during family visits, highlighting that a significant number of child sexual abuse cases are committed by people close to the victims.
“We receive many cases where children are raped by relatives. Let us be vigilant and protect them”.
The festive season also tends to bring an increase in domestic disputes making children feel uncomfortable. Inspector Tshuma urged families to resolve conflicts peacefully.
“Domestic violence, be it between husband and wife, parent and child or among relatives often rise from petty issues, even over food. Parents should not chase away children during fights. They must lead by example to create a peaceful home environment.”
The ZRP continues to encourage the public to avoid gender-based violence, child abuse and conflicts within families in order to reduce the number of cases that are caused by these issues.
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