Source: Times of Zambia
FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba has called for stiffer punishment for perpetrators of gender Based violence in the wake of the rising cases of attacks on girls and women.

The first lady regretted that innocent children and women were at the mercy of defilers and rapists, whose actions were traumatising and destroying the future of the victims.

Dr Kaseba was speaking in Chibombo on Monday where she rushed to attend the funeral of a 12-year-old girl who was defiled and later strangled on Saturday by a 33-year-old man.

She told journalists in Musopelo Village after consoling the girl's family that there was need for stiffer punishment for perpetrators of heinous crimes to deter others from committing similar offences.

Dr Kaseba said the whole incident was painful not only to the family, but to the nation as well.

"It is sad to note that as a nation, we have gone down to such levels where people are not only defiling and raping young children but they are actually killing them," she said.

She urged the police to ensure perpetrators of defilement and other acts of gender-based violence were brought to book swiftly, while harsh punishment should be handed down on them.

Dr Kaseba, who endured more than five hours of driving on a bumpy and muddy road leading to the village , said she felt for the family, especially the mother, hence her decision to mourn with her.

"I know how it is like to go through labour and you do not go into labour for someone to come and take advantage of your daughter nor do you go into labour for someone to kill your daughter.

"My plea is to Government to ensure stiffer penalties are in place to punish offenders," she said.

Dr Kaseba donated some money and an assortment of items to the bereaved family.

Gender Deputy Minister Emerine Kabanshi, who accompanied the first lady to the funeral house, cautioned parents against leaving their young children on their own at home.

Ms Kabanshi urged parents and guardians to always ensure their children were safe at all times as defilers are out on rampage.

Speaking earlier, father of the girl, Progress Muyuwa thanked President Sata and the first lady for the support rendered during the trying moment in their lives.

Mr Muyuwa said the visit by the first lady to a remote village attested to the Government's love for its people regardless of their social status.

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