'Rape An Act Not to be Tolerated'

Oppah Muchinguri, leader of the Women's League of ZANU-PF, the ruling party of the Republic of Zimbabwe. She holds the position of Minister of Women's Affairs, a cabinet post inside the government., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

‘Rape an act not to be tolerated’

Sunday, 10 March 2013 00:00
Zimbabwe Sunday mail
Charlotte Musarurwa

Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Cde Olivia Muchena has called for stiffer penalties against perpetrators of gender based violence, saying deterrent measures would help curb the abuse of women.

In a speech read on her behalf yesterday at a memorial service for 10-year-old Stacey Mujoma who was reportedly raped and killed in Harare recently, Cde Muchena said the authorities would work diligently to protect girls and women. She also criticised female accomplices who facilitate the abuse of fellow women.

“It is with sadness that we come to gather for a child such as Stacey who was supposed to be our future, but, because of such circumstances as perpetration of rape and violence against girls, we are gathered for her memorial.

“So, the perpetrators who did this will not skip the arm of the law. Mhosva hairovi.We vow to protect our girls and women. We welcome men who think and act in the same way.

“Yesterday (Friday) was International Women’s Day.

“In Zimbabwe, we say, ‘Stacey, you are our hero.”

The minister deplored the rape of young women. She said all women should be afforded the chance to a bright future, even as leaders.

“As the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, it is by no means an act that I expect and neither do I tolerate to happen to our girls and women.

Children of this age are a gift, a hope and our pillar of tomorrow. We should never be deprived of our future.

“As a minister, I say no to rape and all forms of violence against girls and women. Lately, we have also learnt that women have become accomplices of such gruesome acts. It is disheartening.”

Also speaking at the memorial, a representative of women’s organisation Tag a Life International, Ms Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, urged all Zimbabweans to fight rape. “Stacey’s death was a sad loss to us.

In as much as we thought it was the last, it is surprising that more cases keep coming up.

At times, children are raped by our neighbours.

“Let us work together and fight rape. She is our hero and this death is going to change lives.”

Stacey of Harare’s Rugare suburb was reportedly raped and murdered last month.

Her body was discovered in a nearby maize field.

Police are still carrying out investigations.