Outraged citizens marched through Lusaka on Thursday April 3, demanding tougher action against child rapists following a series of shocking cases. Recent months have seen horrific incidents, including a father allegedly raping his seven-year-old daughter during her cancer treatment and a five-year-old reportedly gang-raped by four men. Justice Minister Princess Kasune-Zulu condemned the crimes as a sign of moral decay, calling for extreme measures such as castration to deter offenders.
Protesters, including activists and musicians, handed a petition to Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, urging legal reforms to deny bail to child rape suspects. Musician Sista D argued that castration would protect children and strip perpetrators of their “pride of manhood.” Official figures highlight the severity of the crisis, with over 10,000 child-related gender-based violence cases reported in late 2024 alone, mostly in Lusaka.
The demonstrations reflect growing public anger over the government’s response to sexual violence. Police data shows more than 32,000 people sought GBV counselling last year, underscoring the urgent need for action. Protesters insist that Zambia must strengthen laws and enforcement to prevent further abuse and deliver justice for victims.