By Staff Reporter
Harare — Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has condemned the horrific rape of a 13-year-old girl at Rezende Parkade rank in the Central Business District (CBD), vowing to restore order at commuter omnibus ranks with immediate effect.
The Grade 7 learner was allegedly assaulted by a tout who pretended to assist her before raping her in a parked kombi.
This incident has sparked outrage, with authorities under pressure to address rampant lawlessness at public transport hubs.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said the young victim had gone to town to collect money at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Jason Moyo.
After receiving the cash, she headed to Rezende Parkade rank to board a kombi home.
However, instead of finding transport, she was accosted by touts who blocked her path and harassed her.
One of the touts, feigning concern, offered to help the teenager before luring her into a parked white Toyota Hiace.
Once inside, he locked the doors and raped her.
After the assault, the suspect fled, leaving the traumatized girl inside the vehicle.
She returned home but did not immediately report the incident.
The matter only came to light when her uncle noticed her late return and questioned her school.
Under the guidance of her teacher, the girl revealed the ordeal, leading to a medical examination at Parirenyatwa Hospital’s Adult Rape Clinic.
Mafume expressed deep shock over the incident, labeling it a tragic failure of public safety.
“This is tragic! We will take all necessary steps to avoid such (an incident) happening again,” he declared.
“We will have to restore order at the ranks with immediate effect, working with law enforcement agencies.”
His comments come amid growing frustration over the unchecked harassment, extortion, and violence perpetrated by touts at kombi ranks across the city.
Women and girls frequently report intimidation and assault, yet little has been done to curb the menace.
Inspector Chakanza confirmed that investigations are ongoing and urged the public to assist in identifying the suspect.
The incident has reignited debates about urban safety, particularly for young girls navigating Harare’s chaotic transport system.
Authorities have yet to announce specific interventions, but pressure is mounting for immediate action to protect vulnerable commuters.
