Dodoma. Tanzania recorded 7,219 rape cases between January and December 2025, with the government warning against concealing sexual violence or settling such cases outside the legal system.
Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Maryprisca Mahundi said rape and other forms of gender-based violence violated human rights, dignity and personal safety, stressing that the government strongly condemned such acts.
She was responding in Parliament to a question from Special Seats MP Hawa Mchafu, who sought the government’s position on persistent rape incidents, some of which result in victims becoming pregnant.
In a supplementary question, Temeke MP Mariam Kisangi (CCM) asked what measures the government was taking to address the practice of privately settling rape cases without involving law enforcement authorities.
Ms Mahundi warned that such arrangements denied survivors justice and allowed perpetrators to evade accountability.
“The government continues to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting children against abuse, including rape and sodomy,” she said.
She said the government was also intensifying public awareness campaigns to prevent sexual violence and strengthening support services for survivors.The services include assistance through Social Welfare Offices, Gender and Children’s Desks at police stations and local government offices.
Ms Mahundi urged the public to report rape and other forms of abuse instead of concealing incidents or negotiating settlements with suspected perpetrators.
She said cases could be reported through the police Gender and Children’s Desk emergency number, 0699 913 200, or the national child helpline, 116.
The deputy minister also called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing information and evidence to support investigations and ensure perpetrators were held accountable.
She said protecting survivors and securing justice required collective efforts by families, communities and government institutions.