Forgiveness between Sister Chakupalesa, Sichilongo not a blessing on GBV – ZEC

The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) says the forgiveness and reconciliation that has taken place between Sister Emma Chakupalesa and Daswell Sichilongo is not a blessing on Gender Based Violence (GBV).

ZEC secretary General Father Cleophas Lungu said this at Kapingila house when Sister Emma reconciled with Mr. Sichilongo after the former withdrew the case of assault from the courts of law earlier today.

Mr. Sicholongo, a Roma Girls High School teacher was taken to court over the case in which he beat up the Catholic nun and Head Teacher Sister Emma Chikupalesa after she locked his house for failure to pay rentals.

In a statement issued by the Zambia Episcopal Conference Communications officer Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Secretary General emphasized that the forgiveness of Mr. Sichilongo by Sister Chakupalesa is in the spirit of forgiveness as Christ Jesus did on the cross.

Fr Lungu says ZEC On behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Zambia, is thankful to Sr. Chakupalesa who has taken the action of Jesus on the cross, who was mocked, almost dying but forgave.

Father Lungu also urged Mr. Sichilongo never to repeat gender based violence on his wife; children or indeed any sister, reminding him that the nation does not become a Christian by declaration only but by practical actions.

And Mr. Sichilongo has unreservedly apologised to Sr Chapukalesa, her congregation, the Religious Sisters of Charity, Zambia, his students and the world.

He says he will never do such kind of a thing again.

And Mr. Sichilongo has said that to show remorse for his actions he has accepted to undergo psychological counseling so that such situations do not occur again.

And Religious Sisters of Charity regional leader Sister Margaret Mary Chileshe has accepted the apology of Mr. Sichilongo.