News
By Priscilla Mafa
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Zvishavane District has urged traditional leaders to work closely with law enforcement agencies in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases within communities.
This emerged during a GBV training programme held yesterday at Chief Mafala Homestead in Mabhechula Village, Ndinaneni organised by 4 for Girls Focus Trust, where police officers presented on different forms of GBV and cases handled within the district.
Police officers said cases of physical violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and emotional abuse continue to affect families and communities in the district, hence the need for traditional leaders to play an active role in combating the social challenge.
Speaking during the training, ZRP Zvishavane station, Victim Friendly Unity representative, Sergeant Sibanda urged traditional leaders not to handle or attempt to settle cases involving sexual and physical violence at community level.
“Cases involving sexual abuse and physical violence should be reported to the police immediately. Traditional leaders should not make parties negotiate or resolve such matters informally because these are criminal offences,” said Sergeant Sibanda.
She, however, encouraged traditional leaders to continue counselling couples and resolving minor misunderstandings that do not involve violence or abuse.
“Traditional leaders have an important role in promoting peace in families and communities. They can assist in counselling couples and resolving minor disputes before they escalate,” she said.
Inspector Chirara emphasized the importance of collaboration between villagers, traditional leaders, and law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice for survivors of abuse.
He encouraged communities to report GBV cases promptly and assured villagers that the Victim Friendly Unit remains available to assist survivors.
“We also encourage men to be open and seek assistance when facing challenges. The Victim Friendly Unit is there to assist everyone regardless of gender,” he said.
Traditional leaders attending the training welcomed the engagement and pledged to continue working closely with the police and other stakeholders in raising awareness against GBV and promoting safer communities.
This emerged during a GBV training programme held yesterday at Chief Mafala Homestead in Mabhechula Village, Ndinaneni organised by 4 for Girls Focus Trust, where police officers presented on different forms of GBV and cases handled within the district.
Police officers said cases of physical violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and emotional abuse continue to affect families and communities in the district, hence the need for traditional leaders to play an active role in combating the social challenge.
Speaking during the training, ZRP Zvishavane station, Victim Friendly Unity representative, Sergeant Sibanda urged traditional leaders not to handle or attempt to settle cases involving sexual and physical violence at community level.
“Cases involving sexual abuse and physical violence should be reported to the police immediately. Traditional leaders should not make parties negotiate or resolve such matters informally because these are criminal offences,” said Sergeant Sibanda.
She, however, encouraged traditional leaders to continue counselling couples and resolving minor misunderstandings that do not involve violence or abuse.
“Traditional leaders have an important role in promoting peace in families and communities. They can assist in counselling couples and resolving minor disputes before they escalate,” she said.
Inspector Chirara emphasized the importance of collaboration between villagers, traditional leaders, and law enforcement agencies in ensuring justice for survivors of abuse.
He encouraged communities to report GBV cases promptly and assured villagers that the Victim Friendly Unit remains available to assist survivors.
“We also encourage men to be open and seek assistance when facing challenges. The Victim Friendly Unit is there to assist everyone regardless of gender,” he said.
Traditional leaders attending the training welcomed the engagement and pledged to continue working closely with the police and other stakeholders in raising awareness against GBV and promoting safer communities.
Published
May 21, 2026 at 7:00 AM
