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Zimbabwe MP urges castration of convicted rapists
2 hrs ago |
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Goromonzi West Member of Parliament Beata Nyamupinga has called for the castration of convicted rapists, particularly repeat offenders, in a bold plea during Tuesday's National Assembly session.
Nyamupinga's appeal comes in the wake of two recent incidents that have sparked national outrage: the rape of a Grade 7 girl by a tout at Harare's Rezende bus terminus, and a viral video showing two 16-year-old boys allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl who appeared unconscious.
"We are crying over the issue of rape. We are grieving as women of this country. The whole nation is not happy to see a fit gentleman having sexual intercourse with a young child," Nyamupinga told Parliament.
She urged her female colleagues to lobby President Emmerson Mnangagwa directly, stressing the urgent need for stiffer penalties. "Can we have something as a matter of urgency to ensure that if somebody is caught having sexual intercourse with a minor, they should be castrated. If he maintains that manhood, he will not have the discipline to stop. As women, we live in fear - where can we safely keep our children when we go to work, to church, or even here in Parliament?" she said, drawing applause across the House.
Nyamupinga argued that prison sentences alone were insufficient, as many offenders re-offend upon release. "If you decide it is not good to cut off his manhood, then let us castrate them," she insisted.
Acting Speaker of Parliament Joseph Tshuma acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, describing the sexual abuse of minors as "incomprehensible and appalling." He encouraged Nyamupinga to consider introducing a Private Members' Bill to advocate for harsher penalties, including possible life sentences for child rapists.
"While Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty, certain crimes, particularly the rape of minors, demand severe consequences," Tshuma said.
The debate highlights growing concern over sexual violence in Zimbabwe, with lawmakers under pressure to propose more stringent measures to protect women and children.
Nyamupinga's appeal comes in the wake of two recent incidents that have sparked national outrage: the rape of a Grade 7 girl by a tout at Harare's Rezende bus terminus, and a viral video showing two 16-year-old boys allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl who appeared unconscious.
"We are crying over the issue of rape. We are grieving as women of this country. The whole nation is not happy to see a fit gentleman having sexual intercourse with a young child," Nyamupinga told Parliament.
She urged her female colleagues to lobby President Emmerson Mnangagwa directly, stressing the urgent need for stiffer penalties. "Can we have something as a matter of urgency to ensure that if somebody is caught having sexual intercourse with a minor, they should be castrated. If he maintains that manhood, he will not have the discipline to stop. As women, we live in fear - where can we safely keep our children when we go to work, to church, or even here in Parliament?" she said, drawing applause across the House.
Acting Speaker of Parliament Joseph Tshuma acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, describing the sexual abuse of minors as "incomprehensible and appalling." He encouraged Nyamupinga to consider introducing a Private Members' Bill to advocate for harsher penalties, including possible life sentences for child rapists.
"While Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty, certain crimes, particularly the rape of minors, demand severe consequences," Tshuma said.
The debate highlights growing concern over sexual violence in Zimbabwe, with lawmakers under pressure to propose more stringent measures to protect women and children.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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