23/03/2026
Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) strongly condemns the recent surge in brutal killings of women across the country. These include the tragic loss of women in their prime— one allegedly at the hands of an intimate partner in Kitwe; another through mob violence in Kalumbila; an elderly woman murdered in her home; and a mother attacked while carrying her baby on her way to church in Nkeyema.
These heinous acts represent a grave violation of the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia. They are also a direct affront to our national values and principles, which uphold human dignity, equity, social justice, equality, and non-discrimination.
WLSA is particularly appalled by the mob attack in Kisasa, where a defenceless woman was brutally killed based on unsubstantiated allegations. The participation of men, women, and even young people in such violence reflects a deeply troubling erosion of societal values. This barbaric act not only undermines the rule of law but also fosters a dangerous culture of impunity.
Such acts are in direct contravention of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act No. 1 of 2011, which criminalizes all forms of gender-based violence and obligates the State and all citizens to prevent, report, and respond to such acts. The Act further emphasizes the protection of survivors and the prosecution of perpetrators, reinforcing that violence whether by individuals or mobs has no place in our society.
This wave of violence comes at a time when the nation is still reflecting on the commitments made during International Women’s Day, under the theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls. These incidents are a stark reminder of the gap between commitment and reality.
Our Call to Action
WLSA therefore issues a clarion call for urgent and collective action. We demand:
• The Zambia Police Service to conduct swift, thorough, and transparent investigations and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
• Traditional and community leaders to champion a return to values grounded in respect for life, and to promote peaceful and lawful avenues for resolving disputes.
• Government and civil society partners to intensify public education and awareness on human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law, including the provisions of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act and related legislation.
• The Church and faith-based institutions to play a leading role in healing communities and restoring moral and social cohesion.
• All citizens to reject mob injustice, uphold the dignity and safety of women and girls, and actively report acts of violence.
WLSA further urges increased investment in community-based interventions aimed at addressing the growing culture of lawlessness and the erosion of Ubuntu, particularly among young people. There is an urgent need to tackle the root causes of violence, including harmful gender norms, misinformation and disinformation, limited legal awareness, and barriers to accessing justice.
WLSA stands in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocating for a Zambia where women and girls can live free from all forms of violence, as guaranteed under the Constitution and the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act.
