Seeking Justice: The Families of Smyth’s Victims Demand Accountability

The Nyachuru family seeks closure years after Guide Nyachuru’s death due to John Smyth’s abuse. Despite investigations prompted by the Makin Report, the Church of England has not taken action, leading to fears of a cover-up. Victims, still traumatized, call for accountability and support from the Church, emphasizing the need for swift justice and healing.

The Nyachuru family in Zimbabwe seeks closure after the death of Guide Nyachuru in 1992 due to the actions of John Smyth, a known serial abuser. Judith Nyachuru, Guide’s sister, expressed the family’s frustration regarding the lack of action on the investigation recommended by the recent Makin Report. Despite their hopes following this report, which led to the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, follow-up actions appear stagnant, leaving the family feeling unheard.

Douglas Coltart, the lawyer engaged to investigate Smyth’s abuses, mentioned that he has received no updates on the matter. His inquiries are focused on whether the Nyachuru family can claim damages stemming from Guide’s tragic death. There is considerable anxiety among Smyth’s estimated 80 victims and their families about the possibility of a cover-up by Church of England officials due to this ongoing silence.

Rebekah Read, a solicitor, criticized the Church of England for their slow response to the alleged abuses, which date back to 1982. Read indicated that the church failed to act promptly, enabling Smyth to continue exploiting children for years. She believes that urgent investigations are necessary to support the survivors in Zimbabwe and South Africa seeking justice for Smyth’s abuses.

Jason Leanders, 44, also a victim of Smyth, shared that many victims are suffering from trauma and prefer not to speak about their experiences. Coltart noted that Pax suffering from PTSD may still exist among victims and emphasized the Church’s responsibility to assist these individuals with appropriate medical care. The longstanding protection Smyth received from church leaders and other authorities has exacerbated the victims’ plight.

In the UK, Smyth was banned due to revealed instances of severe abuse he inflicted on boys. Despite the findings of the Ruston Report in 1982 detailing the horrific nature of Smyth’s conduct, follow-up actions were minimal, allowing Smyth to relocate to Zimbabwe and continue his abusive practices without accountability. He set up Zambezi Ministries, perpetuating his actions at holiday camps linked to elite schools.

The situation escalated until 1993 when some parents raised concerns about severe injuries at Smyth’s camps, prompting Coltart to investigate. His report revealed Smyth’s connections within the church and local authorities, which hampered the pursuit of justice. Affirmative actions were eventually taken, yet Smyth evaded prosecution and continued his operations before being forced to leave Zimbabwe in 2001.

After Smyth’s death in 2018, speculations about his demise arose due to his impending questioning by UK authorities. Following the Makin Report’s release, the Archbishop of Cape Town launched an inquiry, though this has also faced accusations of cover-up. Critics questioned the commission’s impartiality owing to the involvement of Anglican Church members, leading to the resignation of a senior lawyer amid allegations of past misconduct.

Victims like Leanders assert that Smyth received extensive protections, hindering the chance for survivors to confront him as adults. The entirety of this situation underscores a troubling pattern of institutional failure to protect vulnerable children from predatory behavior, a sentiment echoed by many victims seeking justice and acknowledgment of their suffering.

The ongoing struggles of the Nyachuru family and other victims of John Smyth illustrate the challenges faced in seeking justice for past abuses. Despite the Makin Report’s recommendations, the lack of substantive action by the Church of England raises concerns about potential cover-up efforts. Victims continue to grapple with trauma while searching for closure, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and support from the Church and relevant authorities. The narrative reflects a broader failure to protect children and offers a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable against abuse.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com