Staff Reporter

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has unveiled a rape reporting system to address the alarming prevalence of familial sexual assault cases.

In a statement yesterday, the NPAZ said that the initiative is aimed at encouraging victims, especially those within families, to come forward and seek justice for heinous crimes often perpetrated by individuals they trust.

The NPAZ expressed deep concern about the disturbing trend of family members being implicated in rape cases.

Recognising the need for urgent intervention, the NPAZ emphasised the importance of immediate medical attention for victims, urging them to visit the nearest clinic or hospital for treatment and HIV testing.

“Where members of the public are unable to report to the police, they can report to Childline on toll-free line 116 or report to the social worker or school authorities. All victims of rape, sodomy, or aggravated indecent assault must go to the nearest clinic or hospital for treatment and HIV testing,” said the NPAZ in a statement. 

The NPAZ noted with great concern that most of the reported rape cases involved family members, such as fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles.

“The NPAZ notes with concern that most of the rape matters that are prosecuted in the Magistrates Court across the country involve parties that are related to or known to each other.

“This is particularly painful in the case of juveniles and mentally challenged people who are raped by family members such as their fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles, as these are the people that they trust and look up to for protection,” reads the NPAZ statement.

The NPAZ urged families to report rape cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and not try to solve the matter at the family level.

“It is also regrettable that some families do not report rape matters involving juveniles and family members to the ZRP but choose to resolve these at the family level or through the local leadership or community court,” said NPAZ.

Commenting on the matter, Advocate Mellisa Dongo said that the newly launched rape reporting system does not only facilitate easier reporting by victims but also addresses a troubling aspect of sexual assault.

“By diversifying reporting channels and encouraging victims to seek medical assistance promptly, the NPAZ's initiative aims to break the cycle of silence surrounding familial abuse,” said Dongo.

Meanwhile, recently, Madagascar passed a law in the local parliament allowing for the chemical and, in some cases, surgical castration of those found guilty of  rape of a minor.