John Makumbe column

his two sons who had repeatedly raped his twelve-year old daughter since she was three.
I was unable to comprehend the reason for this escalation of crime and moral degeneration right through our once-lovely country. Has Zimbabwe suddenly become thoroughly demon-possessed? Are the rampant crimes and debauchery some of the effects of the prevailing socio-economic crisis that Zimbabwe is experiencing?
But before attempting to answer these questions we need to briefly scan through some of the infuriating headlines and stories in selected papers. A sample of sickening headlines from the Herald reads “Twins strangled”; “Father, two sons accused of raping daughter”. Their own mother allegedly strangled the twins and their bodies were dumped in a public toilet. She probably realised that she could not afford to care for them given the worsening economic hardships brought about by Zanu (PF) and Mugabe to this country. We therefore know who to blame for this crime. But why strangle the poor things? Why not just abandon them in the loo for some kind hearted soul to rescue?
The Manica, however takes the cake through the following sordid headlines: “Senior [ZanuPF] up for rape”; “227 schoolgirls abused”; “Man rapes two girls, sodomises boy”; “Teenager rapes disabled niece”; “Father sexually abuses four-year old daughter”; “Hubby fatally assaults wife”; “Man kills wife over custody of children”; “Aunt allegedly infects boy with STD”; “Man kills wife over remarks”; and “Rape cases on the increase”. Remember all of the Manica Post headlines are in one issue of the paper as indicated above. This is crazy. Can this be really happening in our beloved country? Are we already in hell? What is causing all of these crimes?
The answer to this question is not easy to identify. It is however, my considered view that the severe social and economic hardships that Zimbabwe continues to sink into are the major contributing factor to this unfortunate situation. There are severe family tensions, fights and disagreements inflicting many Zimbabweans today. Dishonesty, deceit and the breakdown of the rule of law have escalated to unbelievable and unprecedented levels. We also need to remember that the reported cases of these types of crimes are only a fraction of the real picture.
The possible explanation is that just as the fish rots from the head, what the nation is experiencing is a result of the rotten national leadership we have. The law of impartation dictates that the way the national, institutional and other leaders live becomes part and parcel of the manner that the people they lead also live. May God help us.
We are aware that some of our national leaders have allegedly committed all manner of crimes including statutory rape, corruption, theft, and even murder. Because of who they are, they have not been charged or convicted of these crimes and acts of evil or malicious conduct. As a nation, we are essentially cursed with the sins of these leaders.
What is the solution to all of this? My own view is that this nation needs God now more than ever before. Secondly, we have to rescue ourselves by getting rid of the evil crop of leaders that is running this country. Regime change has never been more imperative. It says in Esther that when evil men are in power the city lies perplexed, but when good men are in power, the city rejoices.