Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
NGOCC Chairperson Sarah Longwe
The Non Governmental Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says the decision by President Edgar Lungu to pardon convicted child defiler Clifford Dimba AKA General Kanene who was serving an 18 year jail term with hard labour is not only an insult to the women of Zambia, but a serious draw back in the fight against child defilement and Gender Based Violence.
NGOCC Chairperson Sarah Longwe has told a media briefing in Lusaka today that her organisation feels let down by the President’s move to throw the fight against gender based violence in disarray.
Ms Longwe says President Lungu is not providing inspiration to the nation in this regard and more especially to the welfare of the girl child in Zambia.
She says the move is more heartbreaking given the level of violations being reported on a daily basis in the country.
Ms Longwe states that the NGOCC is specifically worried that increased cases of defilement and child abuse are now being politicized in the way the leadership has handled the Kanene defilement prosecution.
She adds that what the President is implying is that as long as one is in good books with the ruling party, they can abuse and defile children and they will not face the wrath of the law.
Ms Longwe laments that at the time when Zambia needs leadership in the fight against defilement the Head of State is in the forefront abetting and encouraging people to abuse children.
She adds that the NGOCC feels the recent presidential pardons of criminals for political expedience by the PF Government is now threatening the safety of the country especially the vulnerable girl children.
The NGOCC Chairperson states that President Lungu is seriously undermining the judicial system by selectively releasing convicts who he has personal interest in.
Ms Longwe notes that while the law gives the President power to pardon convicts,it is the belief of the NGOCC that he is abusing his power for political expedience.
She says the girl that was defiled by Dimba will not receive any justice now that the President has decided to pardon him.