To 

Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba 

Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume and the City Fathers 

Minister of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhonha. 

Copy: All mayors and City Fathers across Zimbabwe, The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministers of State for Harare and Masvingo provinces, Minister of Transport, judicial services commission and the Government of Zimbabwe

On the 4th of August 2025, it was reported that a Grade 7 pupil, aged just 13, was horrifically raped at the Rezende Bus Terminus in the Central Business District. It is reported that the young girl was on her way home from school when she was heckled by a group of touts. It is further reported that she was raped by a male adult who pretended to be a good Samaritan. 

Sadly, the Rezende case is not an isolated one. New cases of assault surface almost every day of girls raped in schools, their homes and in other private and public spaces. In addition, in spite of the legislation to protect girls from child marriages, cases of pregnant girls and girls dying whilst giving birth are an indication that the practice persists. In Masvingo, another 13-year-old girl is reported to have suffered the cruel fate of dying during childbirth. Disturbingly, no one has been held accountable for impregnating her, an act of rape under our laws, nor for the tragedy of her untimely death.

 The pattern of rape and sexual abuse is a national emergency and it demonstrates that our systems are failing to protect women and girls across the country. Perpetrators continue to exploit corrupt systems, institutional silence and social stigma to continue preying on vulnerable women and girls in their communities. Shockingly in some cases known offenders return to work or stay in spaces where they have access to children including schools, churches and transport service providers. In some cases, as punishment for committing offences.

We call for immediate action;

a. The apprehension of the perpetrator involved in the Rezende Bus Terminus incident and the Commissioner of Police of Zimbabwe to communicate transparently with the public, confirming our streets are safe. 

b. The Mayor of Harare, to immediately issue a communique on how the streets of Harare will be free and safe for women and girls. 

c. The Hon. Minister of transport, to immediately issue a public statement on plans for the Ministry, working together with various city fathers, to reclaim public spaces including bus termini.

d. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, to formulate and enforce circulars that protect children from exposure to harm when they travel to and from school. 

e. The Judicial Services Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority to strengthen survivor centered judicial processes that do not traumatize victims but instead protects them and upholds justice swiftly, fairly and decisively. 

f. In addition, we urge the city of Harare and all other cities, to take swift measures by removing touts from all ranks, install surveillance systems and improve lighting at major traffic points in the city.  

g. The government of Zimbabwe to show their commitment to the safety of Women and Girls by immediately ratifying the adopted African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. 

DAWA
The Girls Table
Shamwari Yemwanasikana
ROOTS AFRICA
Pada Platform
Girl Up Zimbabwe
Grace Hope Foundation
Vana Vedu Organization
Girls Collective
Help Her Heal
Rozaria Memorial Trust
Topodzi Foundation
RhonaFlo
Shanduko Yeupenyu Child Care
The Girls' Legacy
Female Students Network
Tag a Life International
Justice for Children