Zimbabwe Judiciary Concerned With Upsurge In Brutal Killings

The judiciary has expressed concern with the upsurge of brutal killings and domestic violence cases in the country.This came out at the official opening the 2016 legal year for the Gweru High Court circuit.

Speaking in Gweru during the ceremony, Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Martin Makonese expressed concern with the continued increase of brutal killings committed by both sexes around the country.

He said despite lengthy prison sentences imposed on offenders, there is still an upsurge of brutal killings, adding that it is worrying that even juveniles are also committing such brutal crimes.

“We now live in a society where the respect for human life for some people simply does not exist. Knife stabbings have become common and all types of weapons such as hoes, shovels, logs spears and axes are used to inflict injury against fellow human beings over petty disputes. The courts shall continue to impose heavy penalties on offenders who show little regard for human life,” said Justice Makonese.

He added that all stakeholders such as traditional leaders, religious organisations and social organisations must play their part in educating communities on the need to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.’

Justice Makonese also lamented the increase of domestic violence cases and crimes of passion and commended police for apprehending offenders and bringing them to account.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been challenged to employ robust crime prevention strategies and reduce murder cases in Masvingo province, which rose by 29 percent in 2015.

The increase in murder and rape cases in Masvingo province has become a major cause of concern with the police authorities expressing worry over the trend.

The year 2015 saw an increase of 29% in murder cases while rape cases increased by 4 percent.

In a speech read on his behalf by Commissioner Rabson Mpofu at the ZRP Masvingo Province end of year party, Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, said law enforcement authorities should work together with the traditional leadership and carry out campaigns against violence and sexual crime.

“It is imperative that you remain cognisant of the fact that some crimes of concern remain prevalent in your policing area. I therefore urge you to employ robust crime prevention strategies to tame this malady of crime,” he said.

On a positive note, cases of armed robberies in the province declined by 39 percent, with stock theft cases also decreasing by 2 percent. Source: zbc