Tomana has been marked - analyst

Political analyst Methuseli Moyo has indicated that Prosecutor General Johannes Tomana has been all along marked by some political leaders and they are now taking advantage of his remarks about the age of marriage of the girl child to vilify him and seek his demotion.

Tomana recently said the 12 year old girls have a right to decide on whether to get married or not.
His remarks sparked condemnation from the children's rights organizations and sections of the society.

"IT is clear to me that indeed Prosecutor General Johannes Tomama has been "marked", said Moyo. "In my analysis, Tomana simply said it was better to let a man marry his 12-year-old "girlfriend" if that is what the "girlfriend" and her parents or guardian want, than to imprison him because this would traumatize the "woman" further once her sweetheart is locked up."

Moyo said Tomana was implying that the offended family, due to poverty and other pressures, would rather get lobola from the "son-in-law" and let him look after his "wife" and child, which he can't do if he was sent to prison.

"If he were sent to prison, obviously most men would have nothing to do with the "woman" and the baby and the in-laws once released as relations would be strained."

Moyo said Tomana in his view was experiencing a social reality which is experienced daily in the communities.

"He never said men who raped 12 year-olds must be allowed to marry them. There is huge difference between rape and an improper relationship," said Moyo.

But Adolf Jamela questioned Moyo as to whether once such a proposition is allowed to prevail sexual perverts would take advantage of the poor, poverty stricken girls?

"Our statutes clearly articulate the crime of statutory rape to deter men who pray on underage girls. Tomana was completely off side," he said.