Child rapists perform community service at primary schools

Magistrates are allegedly sending child molesters to perform community service at primary schools around the country without parents knowing.

Bulawayo East MP Thabitha Khumalo labelled the condemned practice as  "genocide".

"What the system is doing is genocide because we're killing our own children. We're sending the next generation to death not just by the lenient sentences but also because there is HIV/AIDS.

 "Sending a paedophile to a place where he can molest other children is like sending a thief to do community service in a shop where he can steal, and that shows a serious failure in our justice system."

  Vocal Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC, Umzingwane) said the Justice Ministry should step in immediately and ensure no child is put at risk by sending child molesters to their schools.

"It doesn't make sense that you're trying to get somebody off alcohol and you give them community service in a bar, that's unacceptable."

  According to the Chronicle, last month , Future Ncube, 19, a Kezi herdsman who impregnated his 12 year-old "lover" was spared jail by Gwanda regional magistrate, Joseph Mabeza, who sentenced him to perform 210 hours of community service.

The magistrate said Ncube should perform his sentence at Mbembeswana Primary School.

Chief Superintendent Social Ndanga, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Officer Commanding Matabeleland Region, said offenders sentenced to perform community service were not their responsibility.

 "Those that perform community service at schools are under the supervision of headmasters. We don't supervise people doing community service. It's the duty of headmasters to supervise them," said Chief Supt Ndanga.