Press Release for August 21, 2022
Zambia Police Service reports that Zambia recorded over 500 cases of defilement between May and August 2022 with the highest number of victims being girls has disturbed Family Development Initiatives (FDI).
Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga recently disclosed that this was a drop from 576 recorded in the second quarter of last year with Lusaka, Eastern and Central Provinces recording the highest number of defilement cases.
Reacting to the Report, FDI Team Leader Sheik Yusuf Ayami warned that defilement was a serious case that would see offenders serve 10 years or more once convicted.
The clergyman further stated that young children had a right to a safe, protective environment.
“Those children who were victims of defilement suffer both physical and psychological trauma that had the potential to affect them for their entire lives,” Sheikh Ayami said.
He stated that it was disheartening to note that the same men that were supposed to protect and ensure the safety of the young vulnerable children were the ones violating them.
“Furthermore, family members were in the fore front pushing for forgiveness of defilement perpetrators,” Sheikh Ayami said.
The Clergyman has since called on society in general and religious and traditional institutions in particular to step up efforts to prevent defilement cases and also ensure that appropriate action was taken against perpetrators.
Furthermore, he has urged parents and guardians to put in place safeguard measures that will protect vulnerable children each time they leave them in the custody of male relatives.
Ireen Ntoka
Media and Advocacy Lead
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES (FDI)