03/12/2025
Social Media Blamed for Rise in GBV Cases in Mat North
By Lyeja fm reporter
Hwange- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has attributed the surge in gender based violence (GBV) cases in Matabeleland North to excessive social media use.
Assistant Inspector Elisy Chidhakwa
Speaking at a GBV workshop held at Lyeja FM studios in Hwange Acting Provincial Spokesperson Assistant inspector Loveness Ndlovu stated that people’s constant engagement with gadgets like cellphone and computers has eroded family social fabric.
“Instead of quality family time, people spend hours on their phones ignoring partners and causing rifts this leads to GBV and divorces,” she said.
Assistant inspector Ndlovu also linked the rise in GBV to widespread drug abuse. “Unless addressed, drug abuse will continue to contribute to GBV cases. The community and stakeholders must unite against drug and substance abuse.”
Assistance Inspector Elisy Chidakwa of the ZRP Hwange Victim Friendly Unit added that poverty also plays a role in GBV. “Breadwinners struggling to provide for their families often results in arguments and violence. People should seek counselling from authorities, religious leaders, and organisations instead of taking the law into their own hands.”
Community members welcomed the workshop, stating that such platforms promote dialogue over violence. Morian Nekatambe said, “We learned a lot and hope to share these messages with our communities. People should live in harmony and avoid secrets.”
Surprise Kalala of number one north added, “The workshop was an eye opener we learned a lot from the police representatives.”
Violet Sibanda noted, “Social media’s role is significant in GBV. Children misbehave due to exposure to harmful content, leading to parental control and violence. Different parenting opinions can also cause GBV in families.
