Cops under fire over defilement cases

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:44:05 +0000

By Oliver Samboko in Siavonga

POLICE have been accused of taking up the role of mediation between families of victims of defilement and perpetrators, instead of ensuring that such cases are investigated and prosecuted in the courts of law.

A mother whose daughter was defiled by two former Siavonga secondary school pupils complained to the Daily nation that efforts to have the perpetrators prosecuted for the crime are being hindered by insistence by named police officers to have the matter dealt with outside the Justice system.

She said it was wrong for police officers to take up the role of mediators between offenders and their victims when their duty is to ensure that those who come in conflict with the law are prosecuted through the courts of law.

“I have tried to have the case fully investigated and taken to court for prosecution but it’s like some people at the police station are unwilling to assist me get justice for my daughter.

She said the perpetrators who defiled her daughter are known and wondered why the police were dilly dallying to have them arrested and taken to court.

“My heart is broken, I cry every day when I see the people who defiled my daughter roaming the streets freely because someone is failing to do his or her duty.

The victim’s mother said it will not be wrong to suspect that the only reason why she been encouraged to discuss the issue out of court is because some people want to benefit financially from matter.

Meanwhile Siavonga area member of parliament Darius Mulunda has bemoaned the high number of defilement cases in his constituency.

Mr. Mulunda called on the law enforcement agencies in area to move in quickly to arrest the situation to protect the girl child from the sexual abuse and violence.

The opposition parliamentarian further called on parents and guardians to report all defilement cases to the Police so that the perpetrators are brought to book.

He said a lot of defilement and rape cases in the area were not reported to police because parents and victims were shy to come out for fear of victimisation.