By Upenyu Silent Chaota
The Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Shuvai Mahofa has told the crowd which attended the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) open day held in Masvingo today (Saturday) that no one is above the law and every person has the right to seek legal aid whenever they feel threatened.
Speaking at the event as the guest of honour, Mahofa said that there are a lot of people especially women who are scared of approaching the courts whenever they are offended.
“I want to thank Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and the Judicial Service Commission for bringing this event to Masvingo so that the people can know what happens in their courts.
“A lot of people are scared of the courts and think that whenever they are called to appear before the courts they will be going to jail, no, I want you to take advantage of this event and talk to the judiciary people in the country and get legal aid,” said Mahofa.
“I want to make it clear that the law in this country applies to everyone and no one is above the law. Ministers or even the judges themselves can be arrested and imprisoned,” added Mahofa.
Mahofa went on to say that women have to take advantage of the presence of courts and lawyers to ask on how maintenance cases are applied for so as not to be victimized in the future.
“Women you have to get advice from the legal experts present here today pertaining how maintenance cases are handled. You have to know how to report cases especially domestic violence when they occur to you.
“Every person has the right to get protection. Even from abusive boyfriends. If you report any abuses the perpetrators will be arrested,” reiterated Mahofa.
Shuvai Mahofa
However, just yesterday, a woman who identified herself as Ropafadzo told VP Mnangagwa that she had a child with a powerful politician, whose name was not mentioned, and is not able to file for maintenance since no judge or police wants to be involved in the case for fear of victimisation.
The woman said that the baby’s father does not want to be involved in the case because that would put his name in disrepute and ruin his political career. She said that the politician’s relatives have taken the 2year old baby from her and have stopped her from seeing her baby.
“Honerable VP, I had a child with one of your powerful politicians seated with you there…I do not know if my child is still alive because he was taken from me by his relatives. No police officer or judge wants to handle my case… I will not find peace until i know the welfare of my child,” pleaded the lady.
But Mnangagwa replied, “Of all the politicians here present and others out there, no one is above the law. When they commit an offense they pay for it and you should report your case to the police once again so that you can be helped. The courts will decide what is good for the baby,”.
The Judicial Service Commission open day was running under the theme, “Access to justice, know your courts”local
