By Angela Moonga
The Non-governmental Gender Organisations` Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, which has rendered all sexual offences such as defilement, rape, and incest non-bailable.
And NGOCC wants the enactment to be complemented by the expanded establishment of nationwide fast-track GBV courts.
In a statement, the NGOCC stated that the landmark legislative reform represented a decisive and progressive step in strengthening the country’s legal framework to combat the escalating prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV).
”This amendment sends a strong and unequivocal message that sexual offences are grave crimes and human rights violations that warrant firm legal consequences. By removing the option of bail, the law significantly reduces the risk of accused persons interfering with investigations, tampering with evidence, intimidating or influencing witnesses, and contributing to the withdrawal of cases. In doing so, the amendment enhances the prospects for effective prosecution and reinforces public confidence in the criminal justice system,” the statement read in part. “NGOCC also notes that this development reflects longstanding advocacy efforts by civil society organisations, including the NGOCC network, which approximately a year ago mobilised to demand comprehensive legal and policy reforms to address GBV.”
NGOCC stated that among the key demands was the call for sexual offences to be made non-bailable.
”We therefore view the enactment of this law as a positive response to the voices of citizens and stakeholders committed to the protection of women and girls.For a long time, women and girls in Zambia have endured gruesome and dehumanizing acts of sexual violence, remaining the most vulnerable victims of these crimes,” stated NGOCC. “The persistence and scale of these violations underscore the reality that gender-based violence (GBV) has reached crisis levels. In this regard, the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 2026, constitutes a necessary and proportionate legal measure to address the gravity of these offenses. It serves as a vital tool in promoting a broader societal mindset shift one that rejects impunity and the normalization of sexual violence.”
They states that they remained hopeful that this reform would be complemented by the expanded establishment of nationwide fast-track GBV courts.
”Such an initiative is essential to guaranteeing prompt justice for survivors and ensuring the legal system remains responsive to the urgency of these cases,” stated NGOCC.
