The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is gravely saddened with the killing of a 37-year-old woman living with albinism in Lundazi District.
Last week, Charity Zulu of Kalumbu Village of Chief Magodi in was killed by four unknown men who also left her 42 year-old husband Robinson Nyirongo unconscious.The woman had both hands cut off and several teeth extracted while her husband was left unconscious.
HRC Director Florence Kabwesha said in a statement yesterday that it was disturbing to hear the report of Ms Zimba’s life being terminated in horrifying circumstances where her killers cut off her limbs and other body parts while she was still alive.
Ms Kabwesha said this was seriously violates the norm of respect for the right to life, the integrity and security of a person.She said there was need for quick action by the Police to ensure that the culprits were punished in accordance with the law.Ms Kabwesha said it was extremely unfortunate saying such grisly acts should be condemned by all Zambians.
She said the Commission was aware that people with albinism have been targeted and many killed in neighbouring countries and other parts of the world for their body parts which are sold for rituals.She said this calls for immediate measures to be taken by Government to prevent, punish and stop the cruelty against people with albinism.
“They have the inherent right to life like all other human beings and to be protected against violence and all forms of cruelty. All human life is infinitely precious that it must be protected at all times and no one should be arbitrarily deprived of it,”she said.
She said while the Zambia Police has made efforts to combat murder, much more must be done to put an end to the heinous crimes and to protect the vulnerable segment of the population.
She said the police and the community must work together to ensure the country does not see an upsurge of the macabre killings.
“It is important that Zambia remains a country where all the citizens feel respected and safe enough to freely enjoy their rights,”she said.
Ms Kabwesha appealed to Zambians not to condone violence and discrimination against people with albinism.She said this should not be part of the Zambian society which is founded on respect for the rights of all people.
“Let us raise awareness of the indignities and violence faced by people with albinism. This is a call to all nations by the United Nations Human Rights Council which recently adopted a resolution marking June 13, 2015 as the inaugural International Albinism Awareness Day,”she said.
These PF? Is it Lundazi not the new PF-RB strong hold?
Those are some criminals which PF leaders pardon on freedom day.
We strongly condemn the killing of an innocent vulnerable woman and the brutality put on her husband. We also strongly condemn one purported Nostradamus and his social feedback on innocent leaders of Zambia.
Take not to respect individual protections and freedoms that promote national integrity and human life. This is a serious case and it is un Zambian and un African to joke politics to such killings and murderous behaviour.
Ignorance is Killing Zambia!
Florence CHIbwesha not KAbwesha. My former neighbour in Riverside, kitwe, Mwase Close. brilliant lady.
The police commissioner should immediately institute a manhunt to catch the perpetrators. The brutality of the crime requires immediate action to send a message that this is evil and totally unacceptable. I would recommend president Lungu make a statement to the unacceptability of this kind of violence.
Someone somewhere knows something. The police should start offering reward money for tips that lead to the arrest of perpetrators of such criminal acts.
Track the killer down and do so swiftly before zambia becomes Tanzania.