Zimbabwe: Grace Mugabe’s Call to ‘Behead Rapist” Elicit Mixed Reactions
By Staff Writer
Zimbabwe’s first lady Grace Mugabe’s call to have rapists beheaded have generated heated debate on social media platforms with some people saying capital punishment should not be allowed in a modern democracy.
Speaking at the World Blood Donor Day commemorations in Chinhoyi on Saturday June 14, Mrs. Mugabe said rapists should be beheaded because they caused permanent trauma to their victims.
In a response posted on social site, Facebook account, Nokuthula Banda said beheading convicts was a thing of the dark ages.
“That is just stupid. We no longer live in the dark ages. What if someone is falsely accused and falsely sentenced then that is an innocent life lost? I am sure a jail sentence is punishment enough” the post read.
“And if a person is wrongfully accused and convicted? How do I get my life back?” Takaindisa Chivasa said
On the other hand, there were those who said capital punishment was the only effective deterrent against rape.
“Wait until you are raped and say it again.” Noel Nkomo challenged those against the death sentence.
Addington John, said: “Don’t worry, you will understand when it happens to your own daughter then you can tell us how you want the rapist to be judged?”
However, there were others who said while the death sentence could be harsh; they would rather have castration as an alternative for rapists.
“Kill the rapists! For the first time, I agree with her the first lady on this matter. Women are human beings and deserve to be treated as such. Maybe if capital punishment is too much, let’s opt for cutting off the male organ,” said John Mashambe.
Sexual violence especially rape against women have been rampant in the recent years in Africa, as perpetrators are exonerated from the charges and left to roam the streets leading to humanitarian organization to put pressure on government to act against these injustices.
The governments themselves have been accused of using rape as form of torture in war torn states such as Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic of Congo, with disregard to the rights of the people.