John Smyth’s abuses in Zimbabwe continue to reverberate through the lives of his victims and their families, notably the Nyachuru family. Despite recommendations for investigation from the Makin Report, no significant actions have been undertaken by the Church of England. Victims like Jason Leanders express ongoing trauma, while legal experts criticize the church’s historical inaction, calling for urgent accountability and support for survivors of Smyth’s horrific actions.
John Smyth, a former leader at Zambezi Ministries in Zimbabwe, has left a legacy of trauma for the families of his victims, notably the Nyachuru family, whose son Guide tragically died in 1992. Judith Nyachuru expresses her anguish over the abuse, hoping for closure that remains elusive. Despite the recommendations from the Makin Report for a probe into Smyth’s crimes in Zimbabwe, progress appears stagnant, leaving families in despair.
Douglas Coltart, the lawyer who investigated Smyth’s abuse allegations in 1993, revealed that he is unaware of any steps being taken regarding the Makin Report’s recommendations. The seeming inaction from the Church of England raises concerns about the potential for a cover-up, with many victims remaining in silence due to the trauma they experienced.
Rebekah Read, a solicitor in the UK, criticizes the Church of England for its slow response and lack of accountability regarding Smyth’s abusive actions, reiterating that the church needs to act expediently for the sake of the victims’ rehabilitation. Jason Leanders, a Smyth victim, highlights the psychological scars his peers still carry, indicating a need for heightened awareness and assistance for survivors of such trauma.
Historical inertia allowed Smyth to continue abusing children in Zimbabwe after his blacklist from the UK for severe abuse allegations. The Ruston Report revealed horrific abuses but was not widely circulated, enabling Smyth to operate Zambezi Ministries unchecked until complaints surfaced in the 1990s, leading to a limited investigation that ultimately shielded Smyth from full accountability.
After the Coltart investigation, Smyth was charged but evaded prosecution and moved to South Africa, where he lived until his death in 2018. Following the Makin Report, the Archbishop of Cape Town established a commission to investigate the Church of England’s failures, raising concerns about the impartiality of the investigation. Smyth’s long espousal of protection from various entities hindered justice for his victims, resulting in continued advocacy for acknowledgment and restitution for those harmed.
The ongoing struggle for justice faced by the victims of John Smyth highlights the systemic failures within the Church of England and the urgent need for transparency and support for survivors. The Nyachuru family and others affected have expressed their dismay at the lack of a comprehensive investigation into Smyth’s abuses. The historical cover-ups and institutional protection afforded to Smyth underscore the importance of accountability and the need for healing for the victims and their families.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
