HARARE, Jul. 21 (NewsDay Live) – Police say they deliberately withheld the identity of a 27-year-old musician arrested over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl to protect the minor complainant, dismissing social media claims that the suspect was being shielded because of political connections.
The clarification follows widespread speculation after police announced the arrest of an unnamed local musician accused of raping the girl in Hatfield, Harare, on July 20.
Some social media users alleged the suspect’s identity had been withheld because he was linked to influential politicians.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi rejected the claims, saying the decision was based solely on protecting the child’s identity.
“We don’t have a problem with naming the local musician,” Nyathi told NewsDay Live.
“But the moment we name him, we expose the complainant. She is just 14, a school-going child.
“We will not name the complainant even if we go to court, to protect her.”
Nyathi said police had a duty to safeguard victims of sexual offences, particularly children, whose identities could be inferred if suspects known to them were publicly identified.
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In an earlier statement, police confirmed the arrest of the 27-year-old musician in connection with the alleged rape of the 14-year-old complainant in Hatfield on July 20.
The suspect has been arrested and the matter remains under investigation.
The police explanation comes amid public scrutiny over the handling of high-profile criminal cases, with some questioning whether prominent suspects receive preferential treatment.
Nyathi maintained that the decision not to identify the suspect was guided entirely by victim protection and ethical considerations, particularly given the complainant’s age.
