Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
KWEKWE – The Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals (ZACH) has issued a stern warning, advising girls and women against visiting self-proclaimed ‘prophets’ alone following a disturbing rise in reported rape cases.
ZACH’s Kwekwe District Coordinator, Chamunorwa Marange, revealed to that three separate sexual abuse cases involving ‘prophets’ were recorded in the district between July and October this year.
The victims were aged 15, 16, and 17.
“We have noted some sad incidents of sexual abuse of girls by these so-called prophets,” Marange stated.
“We urge these young girls not to seek help from prophets on their own; they should be accompanied by an adult or a friend to avoid such incidents.”
While the official figure is concerning, Marange emphasized that the real number is likely higher, noting, “although the figure is not much, we are thinking of those cases that go unreported.”
The warning against religious figures comes amidst a broader crisis of gender-based violence. From January to October, ZACH in Kwekwe handled a staggering 141 abuse cases involving girls aged 19 and under, and a further 36 cases involving women aged 20 to 24.
Marange clarified that many cases stem from ‘mujolo’ (transactional sexual relationships), citing recent incidents in Redcliff and Zhombe where teachers were implicated. He stressed the need for comprehensive education, stating,
“We need to continue providing information on healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent.”
This stance is echoed by ZACH peer educators on the ground. In Bulawayo, Mrs. S. Khumalo reinforced the message, questioning the scenario in isiNdebele:
“Uyabe elenkinga bani umntwana ole 16 kumbe 17 esesiya kumpostoli? Angithi kufanele ahambe labazali.” (“What problem would a 16 or 17-year-old child be having that she goes to a prophet? She must be accompanied by her parents.”)
Mrs. Khumalo added that peer educators provide a critical safety net, dealing with many cases directly.
“Most cases brought to me by young girls are dealt with by peer educators rather than sending them into the unknown,” she said, highlighting a community-based approach to protection.
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