ZAMBIA: Caritas Zambia Calls for Fast-Tracking of Court Cases To Deter Child Sexual Abuse

Sandra Kunda

Caritas Zambia has strongly condemned the rising cases of defilement and sexual abuse against children in the country and has urgently called on the government to establish Fast-Track Courts dedicated to swiftly handling such cases.

Caritas Executive Director Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga emphasized that courts must operate without delay, to ensure justice for victims and serving as a powerful deterrent against future abuses.

He stressed that stringent penalties, including life imprisonment with hard labour for perpetrators and partners or caregivers who conceal the act, must be enforced without the option of bail or bond to send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.

He noted that the increasing incidents of child sexual abuse demand immediate and decisive action, as each day without intervention risks further devastation of innocent lives, permanently affecting their physical and psychological well-being.

Fr. Mapulanga described the situation as unacceptable and disheartening, pointing out that those entrusted with the protection of children are, in some cases, the very perpetrators of these horrific crimes.

He cited recent disturbing cases, including the defilement and murder of a schoolgirl in Kamwala South, the sexual abuse of a young cancer patient by her own father, and the molestation of a young boy, as evidence of the growing crisis.

He warned that without urgent government intervention and a coordinated response from all stakeholders, the well-being of children remains at serious risk.

Meanwhile, Caritas Zambia has called on civil society organizations and government to strengthen awareness campaigns using various platforms, including the media, online and social media, public meetings, churches, schools, and health centres.

Fr. Mapulanga further urged the government to establish safer spaces for survivors of child sexual abuse and provide them with counselling, alternative care support systems, and healing services to help them reclaim their lives.

Caritas Zambia has since invited all citizens to take collective action in ending defilement and child sexual abuse, emphasizing that protecting children is a shared responsibility.