DODOMA: The government is currently considering whether to increase the punishment for those who rape children under the age of 10, potentially moving beyond the current life imprisonment sentence to implement even stiffer penalties.
Deputy Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Jumanne Sagini, hinted this when speaking in Parliament yesterday, in response to a question from Special Seats MP Murtaza Giga (CCM).
Some other Members of Parliament also appealed for introduction of more severe measures, including the castration of convicted rapists.
In her question, Ms Giga asked the government to consider harsher penalties for rapists, including the introduction of castration.
She also asked whether the government sees the need to introduce legislation that would impose the death penalty for those convicted of raping children under the age of nine.
In his response, Deputy Minister Sagini highlighted that under current laws, Section 131(1) of the Penal Code prescribes a minimum sentence of 30 years for rape, along with caning and potential compensation for the victim.
Section 131(3) states that if the victim is under 10 years old, the penalty is life imprisonment.
Sagini explained that life imprisonment means the offender will spend their entire life in prison, which is the second most severe punishment after the death penalty, currently reserved for treason and premeditated murder.
However, he noted that the government is considering whether to increase penalties for those convicted of raping children under 10 years old.
In a follow-up question, Special Seats MP Rita Kabati (CCM) asked about the legal stance on children engaging in sexual acts with one another and reiterated the call for castration of rapists as a deterrent.
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Mr Sagini acknowledged the rise in cases of child rape, attributing it to moral decline.
He noted that even if the offense involves a child, it is still considered a crime and would be judged under children’s law.
On the issue of castration, he said, such a punishment is not currently included in the country’s laws, and its introduction would require Parliament to pass new legislation.
