News / National
Grace Mugabe calls for castration of child abusers
01 Aug 2015 at 13:06hrs | Views
THE First Lady Grace Mugabe has called for the castration of perpetrators of child sexual abuse as a way of deterring would be offenders.
Officially launching the African Union campaign to end child marriages - Zimbabwe chapter in Harare yesterday, Mugabe expressed concern over some judges who were lenient with offenders of child sexual abuse by passing light sentences such as community service or a wholly suspended sentence.
She said stiffer penalties such as castration of the offenders or a mandatory sentence could deter those of the same mind.
"I don't care, they must be castrated," she said. "Before it hits closer home you don't feel concerned, but wait till it becomes personal. We can't wait for that to happen. They must be castrated because their actions cause pain to others.''
The First Lady described men who sexually abuse children as evil and nefarious, adding that men of integrity know where to "sow their seed of life".
She also spoke against religious, traditional and some social practices that encourage child marriages.
Mugabe implored girls to be responsible with their lives and 'stop seducing men' as some were in the habit of seducing men for the love of money and gifts.
"Children are now irresponsible and unable to prioritise in life," she said. "First things first, your first husband should be your education."
As follow up to the campaign launch, Mugabe urged the relevant government ministries to come up with an action plan on ending child marriages.
She said priorities should include harmonisation of laws in line with the Constitution, keeping girls in school until they finish their primary and secondary education, giving a chance to education for young brides and putting in place child protection mechanism.
Mugabe, who was handed a petition from women and girls in Zimbabwe at the event chronicling their concerns, promised to do all she can to protect girls.
The two main demands in the petition were to make it law that no one should marry a child below the age of 18 and to ensure that all children have access to free education.
Officially launching the African Union campaign to end child marriages - Zimbabwe chapter in Harare yesterday, Mugabe expressed concern over some judges who were lenient with offenders of child sexual abuse by passing light sentences such as community service or a wholly suspended sentence.
She said stiffer penalties such as castration of the offenders or a mandatory sentence could deter those of the same mind.
"I don't care, they must be castrated," she said. "Before it hits closer home you don't feel concerned, but wait till it becomes personal. We can't wait for that to happen. They must be castrated because their actions cause pain to others.''
The First Lady described men who sexually abuse children as evil and nefarious, adding that men of integrity know where to "sow their seed of life".
She also spoke against religious, traditional and some social practices that encourage child marriages.
"Children are now irresponsible and unable to prioritise in life," she said. "First things first, your first husband should be your education."
As follow up to the campaign launch, Mugabe urged the relevant government ministries to come up with an action plan on ending child marriages.
She said priorities should include harmonisation of laws in line with the Constitution, keeping girls in school until they finish their primary and secondary education, giving a chance to education for young brides and putting in place child protection mechanism.
Mugabe, who was handed a petition from women and girls in Zimbabwe at the event chronicling their concerns, promised to do all she can to protect girls.
The two main demands in the petition were to make it law that no one should marry a child below the age of 18 and to ensure that all children have access to free education.
Source - chronicle
