Stop violence against children

HZT castigates such acts of politically motivated violence perpetrated against children. Fani Phanuel Phiri, the ZANU-PF MP for Kadoma Central in collaboration with 5 accomplices, is alleged to have masterminded and funded the kidnapping of two minor girls aged 9.

The rituals were meant to assist him secure the Parliamentary seat during the 31 July elections. The subjection of children to such acts of abduction and torture by political leaders is inhuman and degrading. The dehumanizing act of attempting to make the children sacrificial lambs not only robs them of their psychological and emotional well-being, but also negatively affects their family and the society as a whole. Violence perpetrated against children is a serious offence that robs them of their dignity and violates their rights to survival and to develop to their fullest as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The callous act militates against the Universal Children’s Day Commemorations held on the 20th of November 2013 whose theme from 2011-2015 is “…Stop Violence Against Children…”

HZT therefore calls for a swift reaction by the police and judiciary so that the MP is arrested and tried for the crime. Justice should prevail as it will assist in restoring the community’s confidence in state security and prosecuting agents. It is therefore every Zimbabwean's responsibility to respect the dignity and worth of each individual and commit to uphold the fundamental principles of devotion to the best interests of the child, the right to life as well as their survival and development.

HZT in the past has recorded cases of politically motivated violence that claimed the lives of innocent children and has left others incapacitated for life. We call upon the relevant authorities to ensure that Justice takes its course so that the continuous harassment of children becomes a thing of the past.