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CHIEFS have a duty to protect communities against decadence and immorality which have seen an increase in crime, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Addressing traditional leaders from Matabeleland last Friday, the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Cde Abedinico Ncube, said chiefs have a role to play in upholding the country’s cultural values.
He said there was a worrying increase in incidences of decadence in communities which led to the erosion of cultural values.
“Cases of rape, incest, homosexuality and bestiality have become rampant, hence, the need for our revered chiefs to make a rapid and holistic intervention to redress the situation,” he said.
Minister Ncube also said the upsurge of murder cases countrywide was a cause for concern. Cde Ncube said it seems Zimbabweans no longer have the spirit of ubuntu which held society together.
“The increase in murder cases is a very sad and worrying development. Our society no longer respects the sanctity of life. Society looks up to you our esteemed chiefs to step up efforts to curb the moral decadence,” said Minister Ncube.
He said his ministry was seized with the seemingly endless chieftainship succession disputes. Minister Ncube said the ministry will now consult widely before installing a chief.
“I am fully briefed that the selection and resuscitation of chieftainships has been characterised by contestations. I have instructed my officials to be very thorough and neutral during the selection of traditional leaders. The same applies to the creation and resuscitation of traditional leaders who were abolished by the colonial regime,” he said.
“My officials are under instruction to carry out extensive research and consultations with the neighbouring chiefs so that whatever decision is taken the chiefs will be part of it,” Cde Ncube said.
Online Reporter