CHRA Urges Safety Overhaul After Child Rape at Bus Rank

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has demanded that the City of Harare urgently reclaim control of bus termini and restore safety, following the rape of a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil inside a parked kombi at Rezende Parkade rank in the capital.

CHRA director Reuben Akili said the attack was a clear sign of the collapse of order in public transport hubs, which are meant to be under municipal management.

“Bus termini belong to the City of Harare, yet they have been left to deteriorate into lawless zones,” Akili said. “The city must reclaim ownership and responsibility for these spaces, ensure they are properly managed, and restore them as safe transit points. Right now, they have been reduced to crime scenes and black spots for violence, drug peddling, and robberies.”

He added that without strong intervention, the public—especially women and children—would continue to face serious risks when using public transport.

“These spaces should be safe for everyone, but instead they are being used for illegal vending, alcohol sales, and as shelters for people at night. This tragedy is a direct result of neglect. The local authority must act decisively, supported by law enforcement,” Akili said.

Police confirmed the incident, saying the minor was sexually assaulted inside a white Toyota Hiace kombi parked at the busy terminus. Investigators have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

The case has reignited debate about safety in Harare’s public spaces. CHRA stressed that the city must enforce its bylaws, rehabilitate infrastructure, and deploy municipal police in order to reclaim bus ranks from criminal elements.

“As residents, we cannot accept that public transport hubs become breeding grounds for violence,” Akili said. “Reclaiming ownership of the bus terminus is not optional—it is the duty of the City of Harare.”