By Flata Kavinga
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has raised alarm over a surge in rape and robbery cases in Kwekwe, many of which are linked to social media hook-up groups where unsuspecting victims are lured to secluded areas and attacked.
Speaking during the Zibagwe Rural District Council Strategic Plan Workshop held in Kwekwe, Sergeant Cecilia Nhutu of Kwekwe Rural Police said most victims are women who fall prey to suspects they meet online, often through dating or transactional sex platforms.
“We are receiving an increase in rape cases involving adult victims. Many of these cases involve people who meet strangers on social media and are lured to bushy areas such as the Kwekwe 20km signpost along the Harare–Bulawayo highway, Sebakwe Bridge, and Munyati,” said Sgt Nhutu.
“Victims, including marriedwomen, are raped and robbed of cash and cellphones after being blindfolded. We are puzzled by why women continue to visit these secluded areas.”
Sgt Nhutu said some victims are young women, including school leavers and university graduates, who are promised money or gifts in exchange for dates. She added that police suspect many cases, particularly those involving married women, go unreported due to stigma or fear.
“We urge all victims of rape to come forward. As the police, we handle all cases professionally and confidentially,” she said.
The officer also expressed concern over increasing robberies in mining areas, blaming poor employment practices and a lack of security training.
“Most assaults and robberies occur in mining compounds. We appeal to miners not to employ people without vetting them. Kwekwe attracts people from across the country as a gold mining hub and when crimes occur, it becomes difficult to trace unidentified suspects,” Sgt Nhutu said.
She urged mine owners and property holders to hire trained security personnel instead of relying on unqualified or temporary workers, warning that the use of cheap, unvetted labour often results in greater losses.
“Robbers plan their operations carefully. Some untrained guards cannot handle firearms or respond to attacks. We are conducting awareness campaigns to encourage professionalism in the mining sector,” she said.
Sgt Nhutu concluded by calling for responsible use of social media and community vigilance, emphasizing that crime prevention requires both law enforcement and public cooperation.
