NGOCC has called on parents and guardians to take a leaf from the sentencing of Zambia Association of Musicians president Njoya Tembo’s wife Brenda and learn how to raise children responsibly.

On Wednesday, Lusaka magistrate Greenwell Malumani sentenced Branda to five years simple imprisonment for assaulting her 13-year-old niece for using a pressing iron which she was forbidden from touching.

In a statement yesterday, NGOCC executive director Engwase Mwale noted that whist it was expected of guardians to provide counsel to children, violence was unacceptable.

“NGOCC is saddened at the violence that continues to be perpetrated against children and thereby denying them of an opportunity to enjoy their childhood. We have learnt with great concern the case surrounding Ms Brenda Tembo and her subsequent 5 year sentence for assaulting her 13 year old niece. It is indeed unfortunate that as a parent and guardian she has been found in such a predicament. Indeed any violence whether by a woman or man is a crime and a bad sign of leadership. It is the duty of every parent and guardian to take responsibility of the welfare of minors under their care. Hence any wrongdoing by such minors should get any parent or guardian to reflect and evaluate themselves on what counsel they are providing to those under their tutelage,” stated Mwale.

“It is imperative that parents and guardians should aspire to inculcate good moral behaviour in children not just in the homestead, but preparing them as individuals who will stand confident and contribute positively in the larger society. NGOCC thus calls upon all parents and guardians to take a leaf from Ms Tembo’s precarious situation and eventual prison sentencing. Parents and guardians should resolve to put children’s interest first and allow them to grow into responsible adults who are fully aware of their rights and also responsibilities.”