adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
TRADITIONAL leaders in Bulilima and Mangwe district have raised concern over cases of people engaged as herdsmen from other communities who are committing various crimes in their areas.Chief Wasi of Mangwe District said several herdsmen from within his area had sexually abused children while others had robbed villagers.
He said a number of herdsmen were invading communities under the pretext of seeking employment.
“We’ve a serious problem of herdsmen that are becoming a menace within our community. These young men approach villagers under the pretext of seeking employment but in actual fact they will be scheming.
“Once they have gained the trust of villagers they put their plans into action. Some of them rape small children and disappear while others rob villagers,” he said.
Chief Wasi said villagers should always demand National Identity Cards from their prospective employees before engaging them.
“The problem is that when these strangers strike, their employers aren’t the only people who are affected but the entire community. Some of them steal from neighbours or rape children from neighbouring homesteads.
“It would be better if community members avoid inviting these people of no fixed abode into the community in the first place,” said Chief Wasi.
Chief Masendu of Bulilima said parents had to be wary when leaving their young female children under the care of men, especially herdsmen.
He said a number of herdsmen were strangers as they were coming from neighbouring villages. Chief Masendu said crimes of child abuse and rape were worryingly on the increase.
“Parents have to be careful on who they leave their children with because even grandparents are now abusing their grandchildren sexually. It’s even worse if it’s a herdsman.
“These people just come from unknown origins and community members engage their services. In the end they cause a lot of damage. If they’re not caught they walk scot free since it’s difficult to track them,” he said.
Chief Tshitshi of Mangwe District said there was need for parents to be careful of whom they invite into their homes.
He said there was need for villagers to exercise caution when employing domestic workers.
A 28-year-old herdsman from Bulilima District allegedly raped his neighbour’s five-year-old daughter after her mother had left her in his care while she fetched water.
Frank Phiri who was working at a homestead in Matjinge area reportedly invited the complainant into his bedroom hut during her mother’s absence where he raped her once.
Phiri was remanded in custody to May 6.
Another herdsman from Mangwe was recently slapped with a nine year jail sentence after stealing six head of cattle from a neighbour’s farm.
Cornellious Mpofu, 23, stole the beasts valued at $3,400 which he wanted to sell to a local businessman.
Online Reporter