No Bail for Sexual Offenders: Zambia Takes Tough Stand on GBV

By Daily News Reporter 

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, which makes all sexual offences non-bailable in Zambia.

In a statement issued to Daily News Today, NGOCC described the development as a landmark legal reform aimed at strengthening the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

NGOCC Executive Director, Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela, said the amendment sends a strong message that offences such as rape, defilement, and incest are serious crimes that require firm legal action.

She noted that removing bail for such offences will help prevent suspects from interfering with investigations, tampering with evidence, or intimidating witnesses, thereby improving the chances of successful prosecution.

“The law enhances the integrity of the justice system and reinforces public confidence,” she said.

She further stated that the reform reflects sustained advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, which have long called for stricter legal measures to address the growing cases of GBV in the country.

The organisation observed that women and girls remain the most affected by sexual violence, describing the situation as a crisis that requires urgent and decisive action.

It expressed hope that the new law will contribute to a shift in societal attitudes by discouraging impunity and addressing the normalization of sexual violence.

NGOCC has since urged government to complement the reform with the establishment of fast-track courts dedicated to GBV cases to ensure timely delivery of justice for survivors.

The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Zambia’s legal framework in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence