Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people of Chisamba District in Central Province has directed village headmen and women in his chiefdom to sensitise their subjects on the amended Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 4 of 2026 which has removed bail all sexual offences, including defilement.
Speaking during a meeting with village headmen and women at Chikonkomene Rural Health Centre in Chisamba, Chief Chamuka said the law has been strengthened to curb sexual offences.
He stated that there will be no bail for perpetrators of rape, defilement and incest following the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code Act No. 4 of 2026.
“It is important for us as traditional leaders to educate the people about the amended law so that they are fully aware of the consequences of committing sexual offences,” he said.
The traditional leader also indicated that the amended Criminal Procedure Code will help protect the girl child and women from all forms of sexual abuse.
He said the newly-enacted law is a positive measure in the fight against defilement.
Chief Chamuka emphasised that the removal of bail for the suspects in sexual offences cases marks a significant step towards strengthening the justice system and protecting victims.
He noted that confining the suspects in correctional facilities during the entire period of trial will help prevent them from interfering with evidence and stop withdrawal of cases by victims who face intimidation or undue influence from suspects on bail.
“The law will create a safer environment for victims to pursue justice and encourage more victims to report sexual-related cases to the police,” Chief Chamuka said.
He urged law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigations are conducted before executing arrests, particularly in rape cases, to guard against wrongful accusations and protect innocent individuals.
Chief Chamuka, who is a champion in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the girl child and women from all forms of sexual abuse in his chiefdom.
