Chiefs call for stricter sentences for child abusers

They said it was surprising that people who were caught red-handed often walked scot free after from the magistrate’s courts.

Chief Zimunya of Mutare district said there was need for government to strengthen the operations of the judicial system so that offenders were not discharged on technicalities.

“We have a number of cases in our community where perpetrators are roaming scot free after they were caught in the act. We wonder what is happening at the courts. A lot of issues must be addressed in the judicial system,” he said.

Chief Chikowore of Nyanga said there was need for government to empower the traditional courts to have a say in such matters. He said in the past perpetrators used to fear the traditional courts, but these days it was a challenge.

“You can successfully prosecute someone at the traditional court and he apologises and the very same person can be discharged by a magistrate’s court,” said Chief Chikowore.

Chief Gwebi-Fish in Buhera Ward 3 said lawyers should not represent such criminals and instead magistrate’s courts should work with traditional courts so that they successfully access more evidence before the trial.

“There is need for us to work together for successful prosecutions because we are very worried about perpetrators of rape and abuse loitering in our communities. They cause trauma to victims,” said Chief Gwebi.