Report sexual harassment –Police urges

BY JOHN MURWIRA

Police have noticed a gap when it comes to reported cases of sexual harassment at workplaces as in most cases victims of sexual harassment tend not to report such cases due to fear of victimisation as some of the culprits will be holders of higher offices.
On a follow up to a story published by this publication of ZESA Northern Region human resources manager Christopher Mundembe, who was recently convicted of sexual harassment of a student on attachment, police Mashonaland West Province said issues of sexual harassment was a cause for concern as most victims are not forthcoming to nail perpetrators with concrete evidence.
Acting Mashonaland West Police spokesperson, Sergeant Vengai Madyavana said there was need for more awareness when it comes to sexual harassment issues.
"Our Victim Friendly Unit has recorded one case of sexual harassment at workplace of which these are rampant only that victims are not forthcoming to report," said Madyavana
Reasons of failure to report such cases include fear of victimisation loss of jobs.
Madyavana urged employees, especially students on attachment who have become prey to sexual harassment vultures, to report cases of sexual harassment as the law will not be selective.
"If ever you are sexually harassed report such cases to our Victim Friendly Unit as justice will take its course against perpetrators," he said.
Recently ZETDC Northern Region human resources manager Christopher Mundembe was slapped with a 10 month jail term for sexually assaulting
a student on attachment.Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Northern Region human resources manager was slapped with a 10 month jail term for sexually harassing a student on attachment.

In passing judgment the presiding magistrate said though considering Mundembe's mitigation his case deserved justice as it serves a warning to would-be offenders considering that there are a number of cases of that nature which remain unnoticed and unreported, leaving victims in depression and psychological trauma fearing victimisation.

Prosecuting prior to the judgement Patson Chirambwi highlighted the need for deterrent sentences on such cases considering the rise of sexual harassment by relatives and superiors at workplaces- OPINION.