'Wachungaji waache kubaka waumini'

Women organisations have expressed concern over the increase in rape cases perpetrated by pastors whom they accuse of turning the church into a hunting ground for their rape and sexual harassment victims.

Addressing hundreds of people who gathered at the Harare Gardens for the launch of the 2013 campaign against rape and sexual abuse of women by the Musasa Project, the organisation’s director Mrs Netty Musanhu condemned the indecent acts by religious leaders.

Cases of church founders and pastors accused of rape have increased of late with some of them before the courts.

She urged government to take action over the sprouting of dubious ministries which harbor pastors who do not uphold moral values, but rather promote women harassment.

The guest of honour at the launch, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Oppah Muchinguri said most women are abused under the pretext of tradition and she urged women to be brave and challenge anything that oppresses them.

“Statistics indicate that only 515 of persons who experienced sexual violence have either disclosed or told someone about their abuse. As government we say no to such degrading acts and these perpetrators should receive maximum sentence. We need to break the silence and speak out. Let us name and shame them,” said Cde Muchinguri.

zbc