Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana yesterday claimed some “political activists and opportunists” twisted his statements regarding the age of sexual consent in a bid to have him fired.
BY XOLISANI NCUBE
Tomana, who become a subject of rebuke and attack by child rights groups and other human rights defenders, said his statements in Bulawayo reported by a State-owned paper were twisted to suit a certain agenda.
“A lot of things are happening and for this reason, it’s unfortunate, but I am supposed to be apolitical and not listened to by a political ear,” he said.
“They are dragging me into a kill bag, that is why they picked up a story that they wanted and twisted it to scandalise me so that it bodes well against my appointment.
“They want me out.”
The State media yesterday alleged that the country’s top prosecutor — whose job includes sending sex offenders behind bars — had defended those who deflower underage girls.
According to the State media, Tomana feels little 12-year-old girls out of school and with no prospect in life because of the dire socio-economic conditions in the country should be allowed to have sex and get married.
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“If you look at it, we don’t have a framework, for example, where we can guarantee that all our girl children are usefully engaged before they actually get above 18 years, we don’t have that,” Tomana is quoted as saying.
But Tomana alleged his comments were twisted and would next week issue a comprehensive response.
“It’s a lie, she (the State media journalist) has a recording of what I said and she should just share it with the public and not this business of twisting facts to suit their demands,” he said.
“Next week I will address the issue extensively and not this rubbish being written by The Herald and their sister papers.”
His alleged comments come after MPs and civil rights groups accused the Judiciary of reducing the age of consent for girls from 16 to12 through their various judgments and interpretation of the law.
Politically, Tomana has been linked to ousted Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s camp with hawks in the ruling party demanding that he steps down for the current deputy, Florence Ziyambi, wife of Home Affairs deputy minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Besides, Tomana is also accused of blocking the prosecution of Zanu PF MP for Bikita West Munyaradzi Kereke, who was accused of raping a relative’s child.
Despite an order by the Supreme Court that he authorises private prosecution of Kereke, Tomana has refused to oblige stating that his office at law must not be directed by anyone on what to do as it must be independent.
