The Sunday News
Collin Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged parents to be acquainted with individuals who befriend their children on social media following the arrest of a social media criminal syndicate which has been targeting and luring schoolboys for sodomy and sexual abuse.
In a statement, police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said parents should be acquainted with people who are befriending their children on social media as perverts were using social media to induct young boys to sodomy and gay activities.
“Parents and guardians are urged to be acquainted with individuals or groups who befriend their children on social media platforms during the course of educational and social interactions,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He called on stakeholders, including parents and the community to provide the police with information that could help them to the arrest of more suspects. Asst Comm Nyathi revealed that one of the suspects, Emmanuel Chatikobo alias Lemmie Gwaku (48) has been arrested and arraigned before the courts. He said the other suspect, Richard Padzarondora (44) who was linked to the group passed away while police were still conducting investigations.
“The future of young stars is at stake and is threatened by this social media where we now have a group which is waylaying children at schools. In the process, boys are being abused and initiated into sodomy activities and gay activities,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.
He said one victim who was at the centre of the investigation was located by Criminal Investigations Department detectives in Bulawayo on 13 October 2021, after being hidden by a member of the social media group, but has since been reunited with his parents while awaiting medical examinations and counselling.
“The group comprises both young and old who communicate mostly through Facebook and Whatsapp. The communication is discreet and leads to dating where sexual activities are conducted at certain lodges and houses.
This group has some people who own businesses, people who live in these flashy suburbs and some people who live in towns throughout the country,’’ he added.
