Save Our Girls launches case against journalist for encouraging sex with minors
A non-profit organization, Save Our Girls, has launched a case in the Johannesburg High Court against Zimbabwean journalist Rutendo Matinyarare, alleging that his tweets encouraging sexual relationships with underage girls constitute a form of paedophilia and violate South African law.
The group argues that the current legal framework, which sets the age of consent at 16 while defining a child as under 18, creates a loophole that effectively legalizes paedophilia.
Sandra Chinyanya, deposing for Save Our Girls, highlights the concerning trend of viewing sex with young girls as a cultural norm in some African communities.
Sandra Chinyanya, deposing for Save Our Girls, highlights the concerning trend of viewing sex with young girls as a cultural norm in some African communities.
"Paedophilia has an unfortunate history in African culture, with some African men believing that sex with young girls cures diseases, promotes longevity and makes their businesses profitable," she states in her affidavit.
The case specifically focuses on a series of tweets by Matinyarare, who boasts over 53,000 followers on X, where he openly expressed his desire to engage in sexual relationships with minors.
The case specifically focuses on a series of tweets by Matinyarare, who boasts over 53,000 followers on X, where he openly expressed his desire to engage in sexual relationships with minors.
In one tweet, he wrote: "When you date 16-year-olds you get the bonus of also smashing their mums when you are feeling like mature wine." When challenged by a South African woman who pointed out the dangers of such views, Matinyarare responded, "When she gets to 16 let me know."
Chinyanya argues that these statements are "chilling" and particularly distressing for parents of young girls. She also cites data from The Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe, which reported 680 minors in the country being impregnated by men who hold similar views on young girls.
The court papers also highlight international studies demonstrating the harmful consequences of early sexual activity, including increased risk of pregnancy and psychological trauma. The group argues that the current legal framework creates a dangerous loophole, allowing individuals to exploit minors under the guise of legal consent.
Save Our Girls is calling for a legal amendment to strengthen protections for children and ensure their safety from exploitation. They have also named Zimbabwean billionaire Kuda Tagwirei as a respondent, alleging that he funds Matinyarare's media activities. Tagwirei was sanctioned by the US government in 2020 for his involvement in corruption.
The case against Matinyarare and the demand for legal reform bring to light the urgent need to address harmful cultural beliefs and ensure that the law effectively protects children from all forms of exploitation and abuse.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/ngo-opens-case-journo-encourages-sex-young-girls/
Chinyanya argues that these statements are "chilling" and particularly distressing for parents of young girls. She also cites data from The Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe, which reported 680 minors in the country being impregnated by men who hold similar views on young girls.
The court papers also highlight international studies demonstrating the harmful consequences of early sexual activity, including increased risk of pregnancy and psychological trauma. The group argues that the current legal framework creates a dangerous loophole, allowing individuals to exploit minors under the guise of legal consent.
Save Our Girls is calling for a legal amendment to strengthen protections for children and ensure their safety from exploitation. They have also named Zimbabwean billionaire Kuda Tagwirei as a respondent, alleging that he funds Matinyarare's media activities. Tagwirei was sanctioned by the US government in 2020 for his involvement in corruption.
The case against Matinyarare and the demand for legal reform bring to light the urgent need to address harmful cultural beliefs and ensure that the law effectively protects children from all forms of exploitation and abuse.
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/ngo-opens-case-journo-encourages-sex-young-girls/
