National Assembly Approves Tougher Laws Against Ch...

National Assembly Approves Tougher Laws Against Child Sexual Abuse

Zim Now Writer

The National Assembly has passed significant amendments to the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act aimed at combatting child sexual abuse more effectively.

The amendments, led by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, introduce stringent measures such as criminalising brothel owners complicit in child sexual exploitation and strengthening penalties for infecting minors with sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS.

Key provisions of the amendments include raising the age of sexual consent from 16 to 18 years, aligning with constitutional requirements.

Sentences for child sexual offences will no longer run concurrently with other crimes, ensuring harsher penalties for perpetrators.

During the legislative process, Minister Ziyambi proposed amendments to focus specifically on intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS to minors, refining the initial broader clause. The amendments also aim to streamline the discretion of the Prosecutor General regarding juvenile offenders, mandating referral to a probation officer before prosecution decisions are made.

Controversy arose particularly over Clause 8, which targets brothel and lodge owners involved in child sexual exploitation. Legislators debated the practical challenges of proving complicity and raised concerns about unintended consequences for innocent proprietors.

In response to concerns, Minister Ziyambi emphasised the intent requirement and the ability of law enforcement to identify patterns of criminal behavior. He underscored the amendments' role in protecting innocence while targeting those knowingly facilitating exploitation.

The National Assembly approved the amendments, signaling action against child sexual abuse and a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable minors in Zimbabwe.