Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to the public against engaging in online dating with strangers. This caution follows a harrowing incident on June 22, 2024, involving a 28-year-old woman from Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare. The victim was reportedly lured to a lodge in Mabelreign by a man she had met online.
According to the ZRP, the suspect assaulted the woman before abandoning her near Madokero Service Station. The victim, traumatized by the experience, reported the incident to the authorities, prompting a swift investigation. The police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.
ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, emphasized the need for increased vigilance when interacting with strangers online. “This is a very sad incident, and it highlights the potential dangers of meeting individuals through online platforms without proper vetting and caution,” he said. “We urge young people, in particular, to exercise extreme care and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with anyone they meet online.”
The ZRP is also calling on online dating platforms to implement stricter security measures to protect their users. They recommend features such as identity verification and safe meeting guidelines to minimize the risk of such crimes. The police force is working closely with these platforms to enhance user safety and prevent future incidents.
