Every child deserves safety
Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment, free from harm and exploitation. However, child abuse remains a pervasive threat, damaging young lives and undermining our society’s foundation. It is our collective responsibility to prevent abuse, support victims and ensure justice for those harmed.
Child abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect and negligence, resulting in harm to a child’s health, development, or dignity. Child abuse can lead to lasting consequences such as mental health issues and violence causing serious problems for individuals, families and society.
In an exclusive interview, Chief Mapanzure urged the community and neighbours to immediately report all cases of child abuse to the nearest police station, childline and traditional Chiefs whenever they witness it.
“Report child abuse cases immediately to the authorities if you witness ill-treatment of children. Refrain from confronting or assaulting perpetrators as this can compromise evidence. Instead, let the law handle the situation to ensure culprits face justice.”
He notes that police should handle child abuse reports from whistleblowers sensitively, minimizing questions to avoid intimidation and encourage future disclosures.
“Most of these issues remain unreported by neighbors, friends and relatives who think it’s none of their business to report such matters. This is often due to the excessive questioning they face, so law enforcement should get straight to the point and investigate the matter promptly,” said Chief Mapanzure.
Chief Mapanzure warned parents to stop marrying off minors and to cease demanding damages when a minor is sexually exploited by an older person as it effectively shields the abuser from prosecution.
“It is unlawful to allow a minor to be married off. Instead of reporting the abuse to the police, you are ordering the abuser to marry the girl”.
He called upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police, NGOs, business leaders, and churches to launch rural awareness campaigns, educating parents on the importance of upholding children’s rights, warning teenagers about the dangers of pre-marital relationships, and addressing issues of abuse.
“We must work together to raise awareness, recognizing that protecting our nation’s future depends on safeguarding these children which is everyone’s responsibility,” said Chief Mapanzure.
Recently, the police arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly assaulting her 10-month-old baby girl with a stick while ordering her to be quiet and forcing her to crawl.
On October 9, 2024, a 39-year-old former policeman was arrested for allegedly assaulting his 10-year-old son with an electric cable and bricks under the guise of “discipline.”
On September 11, 2024, a 45-year-old man from Odzi area of Marange was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping his 14-year-old step-niece.