2025-04-03T16:13:00.000Z

A wave of outrage surged through the streets of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, as thousands of citizens gathered for a protest march aimed at highlighting the shocking increase in child rape cases that have gripped the nation in recent months. This demonstration, which took place on Thursday, was not just a display of anger; it was a call to action against the heinous crimes that have left communities devastated and questioning the moral fabric of society.

In recent weeks, Zambians have been confronted with a series of distressing reports detailing the sexual assault of children, some of which have tragically ended in death. One particularly horrifying incident involved a father who allegedly raped his seven-year-old daughter while she was receiving treatment for cancer in a hospital. Another case that sent shockwaves through the community involved a five-year-old child who was reportedly gang-raped by a group of four men. In yet another chilling account, a father was imprisoned for raping his six-year-old daughter and infecting her with genital warts, a sexually transmitted infection. These incidents have sparked national outrage and prompted calls for immediate action.

Zambia's Justice Minister, Princess Kasune-Zulu, has voiced her concerns over this alarming trend and has even suggested extreme measures, including the castration of child rapists, as a deterrent to prevent further abuses. Speaking in parliament, she posed a poignant question to her fellow countrymen: "How low can we go as a nation? How low can we go as a society? What is happening is sickening. It is beyond laws now; it is up to us as Zambians to interrogate why our morals have decayed." Her words reflect the deep-seated frustration felt by many regarding the legal and societal challenges in combating this pervasive issue.

During the protest, civil society organizations, musicians, and concerned individuals united to voice their demands for stricter laws to protect the nation’s children. The demonstrators submitted a petition to Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, urging the government to amend existing legislation to impose tougher penalties on those accused of child rape, including the provision that such individuals should not be granted bail. In her response, Nalumango emphasized that this issue affects all Zambians and urged citizens to take a collective stand against these atrocities.

Among the participants was prominent musician Daputsa Nkhata-Zulu, known by her stage name Sista D, who passionately advocated for the protection of children. She expressed a strong sentiment, stating, "We need to create a safe environment for our children." Sista D went on to advocate for castration as a means to ensure the safety of children and to strip offenders of their sense of pride associated with manhood, declaring that they do not deserve such dignity.

The severity of the situation is underscored by alarming statistics from the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, which reported over 10,000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) involving children in just the last three months of 2024 alone, with the majority of these cases occurring in Lusaka. Furthermore, over 32,000 individuals received counseling for gender-based violence last year, according to the latest annual GBV data analysis from Zambia Police. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of this crisis and the urgent need for effective interventions.

As Zambia grapples with these distressing realities, the protests reflect a growing determination among its citizens to demand change and ensure that the safety and well-being of their children are prioritized. The call for action resonates across the nation, igniting a necessary conversation about the moral responsibilities of society in safeguarding its most vulnerable members.