Chiefs accuse police of protecting child marriage offenders

Traditional leaders in Mashonaland West have accused some police officers of undermining efforts to combat child marriage by allegedly shielding perpetrators of statutory rape and child abuse through corruption and negligence.

The chiefs claim that suspects accused of engaging in sexual relationships with underage girls are routinely released despite being reported to law enforcement and, in some cases, allegedly admitting guilt before traditional courts.

Speaking during a National AIDS Council (NAC) media tour, Chief Dendera launched a scathing attack on police in Magunje, accusing them of frustrating community efforts to protect children.

"Our efforts are being severely hampered by police officers who deliberately refuse to arrest men sleeping with underage girls in this area," said Chief Dendera.

"We work closely with the community to track down these perpetrators. Many times, we hand them over to the police, only for them to be released."

The traditional leader said the situation had become particularly concerning because some suspects allegedly confessed to the offences during hearings held at traditional courts.

"This happens even after the suspects have explicitly pleaded guilty to sleeping with minors at our traditional courts. We strongly suspect corruption and bribery are changing hands between the suspects and the police," he said.

Chief Dendera added that enforcing traditional sanctions had also become increasingly difficult, with some offenders refusing to comply with penalties imposed by customary courts, including the payment of cattle fines.

Similar concerns were raised by Chief Chundu, Abel Bhasera of Hurungwe, who accused police in Karoi of failing to act against individuals accused of child marriage and sexual abuse.

"Karoi police are letting us down in our efforts to end child marriage. They simply fail to apprehend culprits for whatever reasons," Chief Chundu said.

Chief Katizagombo, Gibson Jenami of Zvimba, directed criticism at the formal justice system, arguing that some offenders evade punishment after securing legal representation.

"Even if the police do take the culprits to court, most of them are acquitted because they hire lawyers," Chief Katizagombo said.

"At our traditional courts, they have no legal representation and normally plead guilty. However, they immediately change their plea when they get to the magistrates' courts."

Responding to the allegations, Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera said police were unaware of the complaints and encouraged traditional leaders to formally escalate their concerns through higher police structures.

"We are not aware of such complaints, but we urge chiefs who are unhappy with local police actions to launch their formal complaints with a higher office, be it at the district or provincial level," said Inspector Kohwera.

He added that police regularly convene Victim-Friendly meetings with stakeholders involved in child protection to address challenges affecting the handling of such cases.

The accusations come as Zimbabwe continues efforts to eradicate child marriage, a practice that remains prevalent despite being outlawed.

According to available statistics, an estimated 34 percent of girls in Zimbabwe are married before reaching the age of 18.

Zimbabwe has ratified several international and regional instruments aimed at protecting children's rights, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.

In 2016, the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe declared child marriage unconstitutional, setting 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage.

Despite these legal protections, child marriage continues to affect thousands of girls, particularly in rural communities, where poverty, cultural practices and limited access to education remain significant contributing factors.

The chiefs' allegations have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and greater accountability within institutions tasked with safeguarding vulnerable children.