RAPE RISK DEDUCTION TIPS

What constitutes the crime of rape?

Section 65 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act-Rape

1. If a male person knowingly has sexual intercourse or anal sexual intercourse with a female person and at the time of the intercourse:
   1. the female person has not consented to it; and
   2. He knows that she has not consented to it or realizes that there is a real risk or possibility that she may not have consented to it.

Shall be guilty of rape and liable to imprisonment for life or any shorter period.

Rape-Juvenile (Children under the age of 18 years)

v  Parents are urged not to leave children in the custody of male relatives or neighbours.

v  Parents should not allow boys and girls to share bedroom despite their ages.

v  Parents should desist from the habit of sending children on unnecessary errands.

v  Teenage girls should desist from engaging in love affairs.

v  Children are discouraged from being in secluded places unaccompanied or during odd hours.

v  We encourage children to move in groups when going to or coming from school.

v  Do not accept rides or company from people you don’t know well and trust.

v  Do not accept gifts from strangers.

v  Do not walk alone during the night.

v  When you faced with risk situation scream.

v  If you have been sexually abused seek medical attention and report to the Police as soon as possible.

v  Do not blame yourself for any inappropriate behaviour by an adult.

Rape-Adults

v  Female adults are mostly raped by strangers however; they can also be raped by people they know.

v  Female adults are encouraged to lock their doors at night and when retiring to bed.

v  Avoid answering to knocks and ensure that you certainly know the individual before opening for anyone especially at night.

v  Women to desist from being in secluded places during odd hours.

v  In rural areas women are urged to walk in groups when going to fetch some water or firewood.

v  Use public transport and avoid accepting lifts from people you don’t know well or trust.

v  Trust your instincts, if a certain place or situation gives you goose bumps walk away.

v  Any man is a potential abuser, therefore do not over trust.

v  When you are faced with a risky situation scream for help.

v  It is advisable to access treatment and some post exposure measures.

ROBBERY

v  Do not keep large sums of money in person, homes or companies as criminals might rob you.

v  Use public service vehicles and avoid boarding private or unregistered vehicles.

v  Be safe by using registered and known vehicles to travel from one place to another.

v  Avoid travelling during the night and when you travel during the day avoid secluded places and boarding suspicious vehicles.

v  During the night make sure your premises are well secured and do not open doors or gates to strangers.

v  Where possible, do not resist demands by robbers in case they pounce on you.

MURDER

v  Do not resort to violence when resolving disputes but find amicable ways such as counseling by church leaders, elders, family etc.

v  Liquor outlets should stick to opening and closing times as stipulated in their liquor licences. It is an offence to operate without a licence and outside the regulated times. Most registered murder cases are as a result of beer drinking.

v  Where possible ,do not resist demands by robbers in case they pounce on you to prevent murder cases

v  Report cases of incessant violent conduct that may lead to murder in future at public drink places, gatherings and at home.

UNLAWFUL ENTRY INTO PREMISES AND THEFT

v  Do not expose your valuables such as cellphones, satchels; laptops and other items as criminals might take advantage to break into your homes/premises.

v  Seek Police service for House under Supervision (HUS) scheme when you are leaving your houses/premises for long.

v  Where possible do not leave your premises or houses unattended

v  Do not leave your door keys at obvious places like under doormats and flower pots.

v  If you hear any sounds of people breaking into your premises, call

• Harare Operations on 242 748836,
• Bulawayo Operations on 09 2885479/2887766, Manicaland Operations on 0202 64288,
• Midlands Operations on 02542 228636,
• Masvingo Operations on 02392 262627, Mashonaland West Operations on 026721 29047/026721 25595,
• Mashonaland Central Operations on 0271 6891, Mashonaland East Operations on 06279 20581,
• Mat North Operations on 0281 30 333,
• Mat South Operations on 0284 22834, and
• Criminal Investigations Department on 080 80126.

ACCIDENTS

v  Do not drink and drive under the influence of alcohol as this contributes to road accidents.

v  Do not board overloaded public service vehicles.

v  Observe speed limits and safeguard lives on the roads.

v  Do not use mobile phones while driving as this contributes to road accidents.

FOREX DEALING

v  Do not engage in any illegal foreign currency dealings as you risk being arrested and taken to court for prosecution.

v  Be wary of conman and being lured into illegal foreign currency dealings in secluded places, private vehicles, business and residential premises by strangers.

v  Please take note: All illegal forex dealers and agents who operate in CBD and other areas will face arrest and prosecution.

ALERT MESSAGES

v  Be security conscious when you park your vehicle and avoid:Leaving valuables such as cellphones, laptops, satchels and other items exposed on car seats and dashboards.

v  To curb robbery cases, do not walk alone in secluded places such as dark alleys, bridges and grassy spots. Above all, do not board mushikashika vehicles-these are not registered to carry passengers and are difficult to trace in incidences of robbery and other crimes.

v  Please avoid boarding pirate taxis or mushikashika or you risk being robbed.

v  As you approach shopping centres, parking slots and CBD be security conscious and watch out for criminals who might smash and grab valuables from your vehicle.

v  On approaching traffic controlled intersection/junctions, ensure your valuables are secure and roadsides are clear. Ensure road sides are clear.

v  As you drive, please proceed with caution on traffic controlled points such as robots and other intersections in order to curb incidences of robbery and theft from motor vehicle.