Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
THE sprouting of illegal structures in some parts of Zibagwe Rural District Council have been blamed for fuelling sexual exploitation of young girls and women in the area.Besides the sexual abuse cases, the illegal structures popularly known as “zvinyeda/ramshackles’ are now a cause for concern as they also harbour criminals who are linked to some criminal cases.
Among these structures are tuck-shops, which illegally sell alcohol and have also been turned into brothels where sexual activities take place.In some cases, girls are taken into “captivity” by the owners of these places where criminals take turns to sexually abuse them for a certain fee, which is usually collected by the bosses.
There are also claims that illegal gold panners use money to lure some school going children whom they sexually abuse resulting in some abandoning school.
During a full council meeting, Clr Yvonne Nyathi raised concern over the continued building of the illegal structures, saying they were fuelling sexual abuse cases.
“I want to request responsible authorities to get rid of illegal structures that are sprouting in most wards, which are fuelling cases of sexual abuse among girls,” she said. “Some girls stay at these places and they are being abused. The structures have also become a stronghold for criminals who commit crimes and hide at these illegal structures.”
Council chief executive officer, Mr Farayi Machaya, told the same meeting that the local authority was in the process of destroying the illegal settlements.
“As part of implementing the ‘Call to Action’, which was launched by His Excellency in November 2023, council is making strides towards stopping illegal developments,” he said. “During the reporting period, council carried out a blitz in Ward 9 at St Paul’s Business Centre, Manzimanyama Business Centre and Mtelo Village, which stopped the illegal operations of tuck-shops.”
Mr Machaya said group enforcement and prohibition orders were served on the centres.
He said the exercise is ongoing and it will be cascaded to other wards.
“In the same vein, the Department of Lands is also spearheading the programme of eviction of illegal settlers in the resettlement areas.
“The exercise is being led by JOC members. Two farms were visited, so far, Umlala Park Extension and Riverside of Amatava where a total of about seven illegal settlers were arrested and handed over to the courts,” said Mr Machaya.
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