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Fungai Lupande-Mash Central Bureau
The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba programme is the answer to ending cases of child abuse that have seen minors getting impregnated, Chief Bushu has said.
Speaking on the case of an eight-year-old girl from Bindura who gave birth last Thursday, Chief Bushu said families had become disintegrated and no one is keeping an eye on children.
The Lands Department in collaboration with Chief Bushu of Shamva have identified land for the family of the eight-year-old girl to relocate and makea fresh start.
The family was staying at a farm when it was discovered that she was pregnant from an alleged sexual abuse from two teenage brothers aged 17.
The chief said the mother will be assisted to start self-help projects and fend for the family.
“We want to give the family a different environment and make sure that there is no stigma which will further traumatise her,” he said.
“We are reinforcing the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba concept introduced by the First Lady to bring back morals and teach boys and girls traditional values and culture.”
He said having such young children playing house is an indication that they lack parental guidance.
Chief Bushu said they have by-laws in place to curb cases of child abuse and child marriages.
“We want to safeguard the future of the girl child. This is a sad case and we don’t want to have a similar case,” he said.
The judicial system will take its course, but the family of the suspect will pay a beast whose proceeds will go toward the reintegration into school of the minor.”
The chief said he summoned the suspected two boys to his traditional court and the pair denied the allegations, insisting that they regarded the minor as their sister.
“I discovered that the alleged abuse came to light while the boys who were in the company of the minor brother had an altercation while picking up soya beans at a certain farm,” he said.
“While shouting at each other one of the boys accused the other of having sexual relations with a minor. The brother went home and told the mother.”
A meeting was set up and the suspects denied the allegation saying they were just rebuking each other.
The chief said only a DNA test can clear the two boys.
“The minor needs counselling and an opportunity to be in her child’s life. I urge parents to have a good relationship with their children to enable them to know what is happening in their lives,” he said.
“In Shamva most families rely on gold panning and it is important for parents to have time with their children. Also ensure that other family members like grandparents and aunt must be involved with your children.
“A child belongs to the whole community and that is the only way children can maintain respect. The community must be able to caution a child.
“We still have children in the province who are not in school. Send your child to school, this is where they are taught about the dos and don’t touch.”
The mother of the minor said she is kept in the dark on the development pertaining to her daughter.
She is yet to visit her daughter and meet her grandchild.
Online Reporter