adminnumber of questions that beg for answers.
Are we seeing a clear case of prosecutorial deficiencies within the Attorney-General’s Office, or is it a case of attempting to shield some of the officials whom the media describe as “powerful and well connected”?
Has any thought been given to the effect this whole issue can have on the integrity of the country’s judiciary system, and the reputation of the alleged perpetrators? What has been the reaction, if any, of the pressure groups and other organisations that stand for the rights and dignity of minors and victims of rape in the country?
Our nation has always, and should continue to confront rape and other forms of sexual violence as deplorable crimes whose perpetrators must face severe punishment.
Apparently, history clearly shows that the judiciary and police in the country have always treated the victims of rape with the seriousness and respect they deserve, and perpetrators have been made to pay for their callous acts.
Public discourse over the past few years has raised serious questions about the culture of impunity we have been allowing to grow in our society.
There have been scores of reports of serious violation of other people’s rights through violence with the perpetrators not receiving any punishment.
Evidently, there is a growing dangerous tendency by some members of our society to think that because they are aligned to certain individuals or certain political groupings, they are immune to prosecution for whatever crime they commit.
Surely, solidarity with those of like-mind cannot be an excuse for condoning corrupt practices and the commission of murderous and violent crimes such as rape, including denying social justice to those who are weak and vulnerable in our society.
Beneficiaries of impunity in the country include the “little puppies” that have leant to mask themselves in the “shadow of immunity” enjoyed by their bosses. These hangers-on are not powerful as claimed by media reports.
They are “little boys” who, in pursuit of ruthless self-interest, stealthily manipulate processes under the cover of impunity enjoyed by their principals. As a result, they have been able to grab everything that comes their way with no one ever making an effort to stop them.
They imitate their bosses, and have mastered the art of sending shivers down the spines of their victims, intimidating them into submission.
Through “smash and grab”, conjured by an exhilarating adrenaline rush, they have hastily amassed wealth in a way akin to running for the heaven’s door before it is closed. Now, they openly boast about their new-found “power” and wealth.
Some of them are even accused of needlessly using that “power” to victimise other senior members of staff, and corrupting staff recruitment processes in the employing organisations.
Overzealousness and a clear lack of tact mark out their character as they take the culture of impunity to outrageous levels.
The goal of the violent in society is to deny others natural justice and replace it with a justice of their own making and taste.
They want a justice system that portrays them as the sacred and benevolent ones with an immeasurable right to impose their wishes on others.
They hanker after a justice system that must erase their shameful acts and purge all traces of their criminality, while at the same time intimidating communities to submit to their ruthless desires for personal aggrandisement, fame and power.
An atmosphere of constant intimidation and fear only help to reverse the gains we have made over the years as a young nation.
Disregarding violence perpetrated against communities and individuals seriously undermines the country’s efforts to promote good governance.
As a sovereign state, we cannot allow the betrayal of our most basic values by a small group of self-indulgent individuals.
Because of the good that we stand for, we are morally called to defend the poor and the defenceless against the callous acts of the violent.
We are ethically called to impose and defend our value systems, belief in human dignity, and respect for human life for the good of our society.
Perpetrators of any form of violence must be investigated, prosecuted and, if found guilty, punished without fear or favour.
If we are not able to prosecute some criminals preferring to apply the law selectively, then the only option that will be left for the aggrieved will be to seek justice through the exercise of universal jurisdiction as set out in the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
A culture of impunity breeds violence destroying both the victim and the perpetrator.
It brings hell on earth, with life becoming brutal and unbearable for the victim. Perpetrators may become nostalgic about their new found “power” as it invokes in them a spirit of triumphal and invincibility, but in the long run, it breeds in their psyche paranoia and schizophrenia.
They are bound to become social misfits, and like all wanted criminals, their lives will be plagued with a constant and troubling sense of apprehension and insecurity.
Promoting impunity is winding back civilisation. Our country needs to uphold and exercise the enforcement of law and order for the common survival of all members of society through peaceful existence as provided for by our laws.
We should never have sections of our society who find themselves living in a situation where there is no one to foster and provide basic security guarantees for them.
What we should all understand is that our humanity is interconnected, and when we undermine the humanity of others, we undermine our own humanity as well.
- Bradwell Mhonderwa is the Managing Consultant of Business Ethics Centre, a corporate governance and business ethics management firm. For feedback, email [email protected]
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