Zimbabwe NCB WMW is outraged and heartbroken by the horrific incident of a 13-year-old girl being raped at a kombi rank in Harare’s CBD, reportedly by violent touts. Our public transport spaces must NOT be zones of fear and violence.

This brutal act is a direct attack on the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls in our communities. We strongly condemn this crime and the unchecked behaviour of violent touts that has gone on for too long. Young girls are paying a devastating price.

We demand IMMEDIATE action from the ZRP, Ministry of Home Affairs, and all authorities:

•⁠ ⁠Immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of the perpetrators.

•⁠ ⁠A decisive crackdown on violent touts at all commuter ranks.

•⁠ ⁠A clear public commitment to making ALL transport spaces safe for women, girls, children, and persons with disabilities.

Zimbabwe NCB WMW stands in unwavering solidarity with the survivor and her family. We urge civil society, media, religious leaders, and the public to raise your voices. We must refuse to accept this culture of silence and impunity.

Our communities deserve safe spaces. Women and girls deserve protection.