Seize assets of rapists: Judge

From Mashudu Netsianda in Hwange

WEALTHY rapists should be forced to part with some of their assets and money which should go towards paying medical bills and rehabilitation of victims in addition to stiff jail terms, a High Court judge has said.Justice Francis Bere of the Bulawayo High Court made the remarks yesterday as he officially opened the Hwange circuit’s 2016 legal year.

“As courts, we’re really concerned about an upsurge in rape cases and in most cases young girls are mostly the victim given their vulnerability,” the judge said.

“In addition to stiffer sentences, perpetrators should be forced to assist the victims. We have some rich people committing these crimes and the state must consider creating a special fund to cater for the victims from their (rich rapists) coffers.”

He said the money will go a long way in addressing the plight of rape victims in terms of medical assistance and dealing with trauma.

Justice Bere urged parents and guardians to protect vulnerable children by ensuring that they are not left in the custody of people of the opposite sex.

“It’s prudent for parents to protect their children from being raped. If you’re able to look after your cattle and other domesticated animals, surely there’s no way we can fail to do the same with our children. We should desist from putting too much trust on people of the opposite sex,” said the judge.

He bemoaned an increase in deaths due to crimes of passion and urged people to desist from any form of violence.

The judge also expressed concern over the number of murder cases committed by mentally ill persons.

He lamented the spreading vice of corruption and urged collective participation in fighting the scourge. He singled out driving schools for allegedly working in cahoots with Vehicle Inspectorate Depot (VID) officials to fraudulently issue drivers’ licences.

“Corruption is causing havoc in our country and we need to individually and collectively participate in fighting it. We’re also saying justice is for free and don’t pay for any services rendered by court officials except for legal fees charged by lawyers,” said the judge.

The circuit court started yesterday and ends on March 18 with 11 murder trials lined up.