Zimbabwe explores national sex offenders register to combat abuse

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is investigating the feasibility of establishing a National Sex Offenders Register. This initiative, conducted through the Law Development Commission in partnership with the Centre for Applied Legal Research, aims to strengthen child protection and respond to sexual violence.

Technical consultations held in Mutare, Bulawayo, and Harare involved government institutions, law enforcement, legal experts, and civil society. The discussions focused on whether a register could prevent repeat offending and enhance safety for women and children, while also addressing necessary safeguards for constitutional rights.

Data from Childline Zimbabwe’s 2025 National Helpline indicates that sexual abuse accounts for nearly one-third of all reported child protection cases, with a significant number of survivors being girls and many victims under the age of 13.