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VP Mphoko

Simiso Mlevu Senior Reporter
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has called for tough measures against rapists, including the possible removal of their genitals. He made the call while giving a brief address and introducing the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe at a Women’s League rally at Mushayavanhu Secondary School in Gutu, Masvingo province, yesterday.

Amai Mugabe is also the Zanu-PF Secretary for the Women’s League.

VP Mphoko, who is also Zanu-PF Second Secretary, said he would lobby party leadership to discuss at the highest level, the introduction of stringent measures against rape and tougher action to curb what he described as “a rampant problem”.

“Allow me to say something about rapists, I want to make a request to the party leadership,” he said. “Any man who rapes a day- old child up to 15 years should have their genitals removed. Those who abuse vulnerable demographic groups above 65 years of age should also have their genitals removed.”

VP Mphoko suggested life imprisonment for those who rape women between 15 and 65 years old.

Bemoaning the crudeness of rape, VP Mphoko said it was inconceivable to imagine a fully grown man raping a child.

His passionate plea resonates with calls made by President Mugabe in 2013 while officially opening the First Session of the Eighth Parliament.

The President underscored the need to impose stiffer penalties like castration to stem rising cases of rape in the country.

He suggested that “that which makes him rape must go”.

The call for the introduction of stringent measures comes at a time when Zimbabwe and the rest of the world are commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

This year’s International theme is, “From peace in the home to peace in the world: Make education safe for all.” At national level, the theme is, “From peace in the home to peace in the community: Let us keep girls in school”.