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By Correspondent

Gweru, Zimbabwe, ( News of The South)— We are profoundly outraged by the recent ruling by the Gweru Magistrates’ Court on 6 June 2025, which resulted in the release and acquittal of Stephen Gwizhi, a convicted criminal in his 20s, who sexually abused a 7-year-old child. This decision constitutes a catastrophic miscarriage of justice and a betrayal of the legal system’s moral and civic obligations to protect the most vulnerable in our community — our children.

The facts of this case made a clear and compelling case for justice. The testimony of the victim, supported by physical and expert medical evidence, was disregarded, while the rights of the accused were placed above the well-being and safety of the child. This outcome not only undermines justice for the victim but also sets a dangerous precedent — sending a chilling message to survivors, their families, and the community at large — that their voices may not be heard.
We wish to highlight alarming failures at every step of the process:

The Prosecutor’s Office — led by Public Prosecutor Dube at Gweru Magistrates’ Court — is suspected of misconduct and possibly accepting bribes, choosing not to pursue justice in a vigorous or impartial manner.

The Gweru General Hospital Victims’ Friendly Unit and its medical team displayed alarming incompetence and a lack of diligence in their examination and care of the victim.

The Lalapanzi Police delayed arrest, stating a shortage of resources (such as a vehicle), and when they eventually investigated the scene, they disregarded crucial testimony from the victim — reflecting a profoundly unprofessional approach.

The perpetrator, Stephen Gwizhi (in his late 20s), was a convicted criminal who was meant to be in jail at the time of the abuse but was instead allowed to perform community service at a Primary School alongside vulnerable children — a breach of justice and a danger to the community.

We further wish to highlight the unfair and inhumane way the court dealt with the victim during the trial. The child was questioned relentlessly by the accused’s lawyers while Public Prosecutor Dube stood by and failed to protect him. The questioning went on for hours — until the poor child was completely exhausted and fell asleep multiple times — but instead of offering him a break or a moment of rest, the court forced him to continue. This process was distressing for everyone in attendance and a violation of the child’s dignity and rights.
We call upon human rights organizations, children’s rights advocates, community groups, policy makers, and the general public to speak out against this ruling. We urge the Prosecution Services, the Ministry of Justice, the Police, and Gweru Magistrates’ Court to account for their failures and to pursue justice in this case.

Furthermore, we demand steps be taken to prohibit convicted sex offenders from accessing spaces where children are present and to put in place mechanisms that guarantee their proper supervision and control.
This is a moment for us to come together and affirm our collective responsibility to safeguard children’s rights and dignity. We must pursue justice, fairness, and compassion — not impunity — for those who harm the vulnerable in our society.

“We are shocked, we are disappointed, and we feel completely let down by the justice system. What has happened to our justice system when a convicted criminal can walk free after hurting a child? We demand justice for FK — we are starting a campaign called Justice 4 FK to make sure that this tragedy is not forgotten, and that justice prevails.” — Mambeva (Victim’s Maternal Aunt)

About FK:
FK’s father died in a car accident when FK was just a year old. He is currently being cared for by his elderly grandparents in a rural farm community — the very place where the abuse happened on his way to school. We are now working to raise funds to enable him to attend a safe boarding school where he can pursue his education without fear or danger. We appeal to well-wishers, donors, and funders to open their hearts and contribute toward securing a future filled with healing, happiness, opportunity, and justice for FK — a vulnerable child whose life has been shattered by a senseless injustice.

For media inquiries or to show your support, please contact:
FK’s Auntie, Mambeva
WhatsApp +447301306737

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