Cabinet calls for tougher laws against child abuse, approves key legislative reforms

Cabinet has reportedly called for law reform on ending violence against children so that perpetrators of inhuman behaviour face serious weight of the law, as a way to safeguard young children from such evil.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, said the Cabinet expressed serious concern at the number of child abuse cases in the country, especially in the areas of incest, rape, involving young girls.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday at his office, Mweetwa noted that some of the cases were being perpetrated parents and other family members.

Reflecting on the recent cases of violence against children, Cabinet he said agreed to accelerate action to end violence against children through increasing investments in child protection programmes.

This, he said, would be in addition to violence prevention systems, in line with the outcomes from the Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children which held from 7th to 8th November, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia, attended by Zambia.

“Cabinet appreciated that the Conference provided a pivotal opportunity, at global level, to intensify efforts to end violence and build a future where every child grows up in a safe environment,” Mweetwa said.

He stated that it also facilitated for strong political leadership, evidence-based policies and interventions, and adequate finance and calls for action to support programmes that promote nurturing care.

Meanwhile, Mweetwa announced that Cabinet had approved in principle the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Lands and Deeds Registry Act Cap. 185 of the laws of Zambia, which was enacted in 1914.

“This is in order to among other things, provide for the office of the Commissioner of Lands, Chief Registrar and other officers; provide the Office of the Commissioner of Lands with the powers to cancel Certificates of Title; provide for the functions of the department responsible for Lands and Deeds,” he highlighted.

The Minister added that the move was aimed at enhancing the powers of the Office of the Chief Registrar relating to amendment of the lands register.

Mweetwa said that Cabinet was of the view that the amendment will provide for an updated piece of legislation that would be responsive to the current needs and challenges being faced in the registration of land and deeds.

Cabinet also approved the gazetting of the Abram Zayoni Mokola Toll Plaza on the concessioned Luanshya-Fisenge-Masangano Road, as a Road Toll collection point, Mweetwa said.

“The proposed toll fees structure to be paid at the Abram Zayoni Mokola Toll Plaza and the Michael Chilufya Sata Toll Plaza, as provided for in the signed Concession Agreement for the Lusaka – Ndola Dual Carriageway Public Private Partnership Project,” he said.

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