It is almost predictable that when a man rapes a minor girl, the law is brutal and unforgiving, so is society. The tables seem to turn when a woman performs the same act and the 8th of March was on exception to this unsaid rule. The case seems to change from “rape” to a more palatable “indecent assault” to “there was consent”. Could the massive attention drawn towards woman by virtue of it being International Woman’s Day have contributed to what happened on March 8?
The media has been closely following the story of Precious Teya, a 26 year old woman who was arrested for sleeping with a minor 13 year old boy. The court developments have been an emotional roller-coaster for the public. Parents of young boys are cringing while some of the general public are justifying this woman’s actions.
As of March 8 2021, Teya is on the loose after a successful bail application of $10 000. This decision by the courts came after High Court Judge Tawanda Chitapi ruled that the evidence was clear in showing the minor boy’s willingness and consent in the act.
It would seem that this boy’s so called ” willingness” suddenly overrides the fact that he is a 13 year old child. Would the same rule be given by the courts had this been a 13 year old girl?
Consider this: The issue of child marriages is a hot and sensitive topic in the media of late. If some girls were to express a willingness to become involved in the marriage would that water down the strong stance against child marriages? Not in a thousand years, even if it was being done for the “greater good” of the family.
Could we say there is bias in the way issues pertaining to minors of different genders are handled?
Here are some mixed feelings displayed by people on the Teya case:
What are your thoughts on this issue?
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