An 18-year-old Zvishavane girl was allegedly kidnapped by four men and was dumped in Gweru after being raped by one of them.
Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident saying the victim had been offered a lift in the quartet’s Toyota Fun Cargo on her way from Zvishavane town centre to Izaya Park but ended up in Gweru.
She also urged citizens to use registered public transport which is traceable when such events occur.
Zimbabwe Republic Police has revealed that general crime has increased by 33 percent in the Midlands Province with Zvishavane and Mberengwa districts the most affected.
Officiating at the annual ZRP Zvishavane district Cop of the Year Awards last month, ZRP Officer commanding Midlands province Moses Magandi said a total of 3709 cases were received in 2019 as compared to 2789 received during the same period last year.
“The increase in crime is attributed to an influx of artisanal miners from other parts of the country who come to our area searching for precious stones since we are blessed with mineral deposits in this district.
“Zvishavane and Mberengwa were the most affected stations, the district was hit by a number of crimes such as unlawful entry, assault cases, theft, stock theft, rape of juveniles and robbery,” he said.
Meanwhile, from 25 November to 10 December, the world observes 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
This campaign spotlights the actions being taken to end this global scourge, which is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses in the world. This year’s campaign theme is: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape.
The 16 days run from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.