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Sukulwenkosi Dube- Matutu, Sunday News Reporter
TRADITIONAL leaders from Masendu area in Bulilima District , Matabeleland South have put in place strategies to reduce cases of sexual abuse against women and children.
Chief Masendu’s secretary, Mr Freeman Dube said headmen and village heads from the area have banned juvenile girls from visiting beer halls especially at night.
“Our area keeps on recording a high number of sexual abuse cases mostly where young girls and women are being raped. The traditional leaders then decided to put in place strategies to curb these incidents. Juveniles have been encouraged to desist from visiting beer halls as they will be putting themselves at risk of being raped or sleeping with elderly men.
“Teenagers have been urged to stay away from beer halls at night. Owners of beer halls have also been urged to chase away these juveniles from their operating areas,” he said.
Mr Dube said traditional leaders were also warning against people leaving their female children in the custody of male relatives or workers. Headman Mazwaligwe said those measures were put in place to fight cases of rape.
“As traditional leaders, we are concerned that rape cases are still on the increase. While the police and other organisations are doing their part to conscientise people we also feel that our strategies may help.
“Some of these rape cases can be avoided if parents leave their children under the right supervision and if young girls are wary of the places they visit and their dressing.
“This is what we want to address as community leaders. Potential victims have to ensure of their safety,” he said.
Headman Mazwaligwe said it was a cause for concern that the number of juveniles who were willingly engaging in sexual intercourse with old men was increasing.
He said some of the youngsters met older men at beer halls especially at night.
“Some of the girls who get caught up in this misbehaviour are usually those that come from child headed families. It is important for relatives and neighbours to come through for these families and ensure that they live under the supervision of guardians.
“No child should live in a child headed family when the community still exists and when relatives are still alive,” he said.
Headman Mazwaligwe said community leaders from Masendu area had engaged in an exercise to educate villagers on all these strategies so they could be implemented.
Online Reporter