The Sunday News
Harare Bureau
First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe says men who sexually abuse women and girls should face harsh punishment, including the possibility of hanging.Speaking at a function to mark World Blood Donor Day in Chinhoyi yesterday, she said society should value women as they are the foundation of a sustainable nation.
The event was held under the theme “Safe blood for saving mothers”.
“Ini ndinofunga kuti vanhu vakadaro, people who commit such heinous crimes, should be immediately sent to the gallows kunochekwa musoro chaiwo,” said Amai Mugabe.
“Handione paine reason yekuti patombofungwa kana chii. That person is not fit to be part of a society.”
The First Lady said the effects of abuse were cumulative and also detrimental to would-be victims.
She cited the case of a five-year-old girl from Gokwe who had her uterus removed after being abused by an uncle.
“That child will not be able to have her own family tomorrow and will be traumatised forever,” she said.
Amai Mugabe said at least 10 000 cases of rape were recorded annually, translating to about 27 rape cases per day.
She said the figure could be much higher as numerous cases went unreported.
She highlighted the importance of men, but pointed out that this importance should be held responsibly.
“When God fashioned you (men) with those instruments that you carry around and abuse, his intention was for you to use them for reproduction.
“But the way you go and sow those seeds is sometimes disheartening. Zvakanaka here kuenda kunodyara seed iyi mumwana mudiki? It is embarrassing! It is very bad!”
Regarding the event, she said Zimbabweans must donate blood to ensure adequate national stocks to deal with emergency cases.
“I am informed that our youths continue to be the leading contributors to the national blood bank, contributing over 70 percent of the blood in our bank while a reasonable 29 percent is coming from adults.
“In light of the above statistics, I wish to commend the youths and the adult population for their splendid contribution.”
However, the First Lady was concerned about the high cost of blood.
“Yes, I am told that the collection, processing, testing and storage of the blood are cost intensive, but can we not devise ways and means to lessen the burden on the poor and unfortunate patient lying helplessly on the hospital bed?
“We must, therefore, find ways of funding the National Blood Services Zimbabwe in order to reduce or even remove, in some cases, the cost related blood supply to the vulnerable and needy patient.”
The commemorations were attended by Cabinet ministers Ignatius Chombo, Webster Shamu, David Parirenyatwa and Walter Mzembi.
Mashonaland West Minister of State Faber Chidarikire and senior Zanu-PF officials were also among those in attendance.
