HUMAN Rights Commission information and education chief Mweelwa Muleya says the commission has instituted investigations into purported cases of sexual abuse at Kasama Girls Secondary School and Lilayi Police Training College.

In a statement released today, January 23rd 2017, Muleya stated that the commission would deal with any culprit in accordance with the laws pertaining to gender based violence.

“The Human Rights Commission is investigating reported cases of sexual abuse of pupils and Kasama Girls Secondary School in Northern Province to establish their authenticity and ensure that culprits are dealt with accordance with the laws pertaining to gender based violence. The Commission is also investigating allegations of sexual abuse of female police recruits at Lilayi Police Training College and so far one female has officially lodged a complaint with the Commission,” Muleya stated.

“Depending on the findings of the investigations, the Commission will engage the Zambia Police Service to ensure that perpetrators of girls and women sexual exploitation and abuse are appropriately punished for acts of either rape, defilement or both as the case may be. Rape and Defilement are serious forms of violence and human rights against women and girls and constitute a crime against humanity as it is used as a weapon of compromising the vulnerable women into harmful sexual practices.”

Muleya stated that the Commission promised victims strict confidentiality.

“The Commission is appealing to victims to report their ordeals to the Human Rights Commission offices in Lusaka, Chipata, Kasama, Livingstone, Mongu and Ndola or call a on the Commission Toll Free Line 8181. The Commission wishes to assure the victims of strict confidentiality and protection from any form of reprisal as a result of reporting cases of human rights violations,” he stated.

“The Commission however wishes to appeal for honest and good faith allegations to avoid violating the rights and reputations of innocent people, particularly through the social media where they may have no recourse to defend themselves.”