Parents warned over ‘out-of-court settlements’ in abuse cases
ZANZIBAR: PERPETRATORS of sexual violence, including rape and defilement, must face the law as parents and members of the judiciary system are urged to avoid settling such cases out of court.
District Commissioner for Unguja North A, Mr Othman Ali Maulid, reminded people that out-of-court agreements in sexual violence cases result in the non-prosecution of those likely to be guilty, which is against the law and unconstitutional.
“Such agreements infringe on the victims’ rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed in the constitution, regional and international instruments,” Mr Maulid said yesterday when speaking to Nungwi residents about promoting justice for victims of abuse.
The public awareness meeting was organised by the Association for Community Development and Services – Zanzibar (JUMAJAHUZA) in collaboration with the Police Gender and Children Desk in the district to educate people on the importance of taking perpetrators to court.
The DC said justice for sexual violence begins with proper investigation, collecting evidence, arresting the perpetrator and forwarding the file to the Director of Public Prosecution who will decide whether to charge the suspect.
He said parents and relatives of victims should provide evidence.
Advocate and Lawyer of the Police, Assistant Inspector of Police (ASP) Sadik Ali Sultan, insisted on community and family members supporting each other and stopping humiliating each other through social networks.
“There is evidence that people who are supposed to help each other in difficulties, including family members, attack each other and tamper with important evidence while also hiding suspects.
These actions obstruct justice,” he said.
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During the gathering in Nungwi, residents Mr Sharif Kombo Baki and Tum Haji Juma requested law enforcement agencies to increase efforts in finding hidden perpetrators/suspects and dishonest parents and police officers so that they can be charged in court.
“It is very sad to see that people expected to act seriously to stop abuse cases are the ones who protect suspects and tamper with evidence.
Police should find ways of controlling these people who infringe justice,” said Juma. JUMAJAHUZA, in collaboration with the Police ‘Gender and Children Desk’, provides education on how to handle gender-based violence (GBV) cases in various areas.
