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Alec Mubani Herald Reporter
Government should impose punitive and deterrent sentences on people who sexually abuse children, Acting Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Christopher Mushohwe has said.
Speaking at the launch of the Orange Day Campaign in Harare last Friday, Minister Mushohwe said it was disturbing to read stories on child abuse on a daily basis.
The Orange Day is part of United Nations Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki moon’s initiatives to end gender-based violence and is celebrated on the 25th of every month.
He said the situation was further worsened by the fact that the people who committed such crimes were people entrusted to look after the minors. “My heart bleeds when I read stories reported in our media on why children are being raped and sexually abused for lame excuses like rituals, cleansing of evil spirits, curing of HIV and Aids and the influence of alcohol,” he said.
“It is disheartening to note that the majority of these acts are perpetrated by people who are related or known to the victims, “ said Minister Mushohwe .
Online Reporter