Tafuna Hills in Shamva red-flagged over GBV

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

Tafuna Hill in Shamva has become a hotspot for gender-based violence (GBV) due to various illicit activities in the mining area.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Small to Medium Enterprise Development engaged the community surrounding Tafuna Hill in Ward 20 as part of its activities during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Ward 20 Councillor Earnest Manyara urged the Government to intervene and restore order in the area.

He noted that many tuck shops in the area were being used as brothels and for selling drugs during the night.

“Ward 20 is predominantly a mining and farming area. The illicit activities occurring openly have fueled gender-based violence,” he said.

“While we appreciate the awareness campaign, more needs to be done to put a stop to these issues.”

Shamva District development officer Mrs Simbiso Ndige said that various stakeholders have come together to advocate for an end to gender-based violence.

She emphasised that the campaign against GBV is an ongoing effort and that men can also be victims of violence.

Real Opportunities for Transformation Support (ROOTS) Africa took this opportunity to launch their toll-free number, +26378 690 3974.

Programme officer Tinotenda Matenda explained that individuals in the community can now report cases of GBV without financial constraints related to travelling to facilities.