Probe into child marriages begins

Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has launched an investigation into complaints of sexual exploitation and abuses of girls and prevalent child marriages in the apostolic sects.

Child marriages have come under the spotlight following the death of 14-year-old Anna Machaya at a Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect shrine in Marange a few months ago.

In a general notice published on Wednesday, ZGC chairperson Ms Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe said: “It is hereby notified that, in terms of section 5 of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act (Chapter 10:31), the Zimbabwe Gender Commission intends to investigate complaints of the institutionalisation of sexual exploitation and abuses of girls and child marriages in the Apostolic Sect, Zimbabwe.”

She said an invitation will be given to any victims or witnesses to any act of sexual exploitation and abuse and child marriages by members of any apostolic church to present to the Commission written complaints, witnesses’ statements and any other supporting documents or evidence which can assist in the investigation.

Oral hearings will commence thereafter on dates to be advised by the Commission.

Many apostolic sects are known for their encouragement of polygamous marriages, and it is into these marriages that older men, who claim to be following instructions from God, bring young girls as child brides.

Most of the sect’s doctrines are not based on the Bible, but on what the leadership claims to be instructions from the Holy Spirit and these doctrines have constantly put it into direct collision with the Government and human rights groups.

The development comes as Government, among other stakeholders, are stepping up pressure against child marriages by imposing stiffer customary civil penalties against offenders, who still face criminal charges and potential jail sentences, as chiefs say such marriages are not only unlawful, but are against the traditional values they are sworn to uphold.

They argue that society should value young girls and give them a chance to grow for the betterment of the nation.

In many communities where child marriages are common, girls are not valued as much as boys and they are widely perceived as a liability by their families.

In Parliament last month, legislators were keen to expedite the passage of the Guardianship of Minors Amendment Bill that, as a procedural issue, brings the Act into line with the Constitution which already bars people under 18 from marrying, and removes the right of parents to consent to any marriage.