Chief Justice Mumba Malila commissions GBV Fast Track Court in Kasama

By Nkweto Ngoshe
Kasama

Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao in brown tie (L to R)) UNDP Resident Representative James Wakiaga, Hon Lady  Justice Anessie Banda and  Hon Justice Mumba Malila inspecting the newly kasama Anti-Gender -Based Violence and user-friendly fast track court today.             

Chief Justice Mumba Malila has called for acceleration in the execution of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases.

Justice Malila said timeliness in the delivery of justice in GBV cases is key to curbing the vice.

He said this when he officially opened the Anti- Gender Based Violence fast-track court in Kasama District.

Dr Malila said the GBV fast track court is equipped with facilities that are friendly to both the witness and the victim.

“I believe this will go a long way in curbing impunity and delivering justice for GBV offences.” Dr. Malila said.

He said the escalating number of GBV cases across the country calls for proactive measures to mitigate the vice.

Dr Malila added that there is a need to continue to raise awareness among members of the public about the provisions of the law on Gender Based Violence.

The Chief Justice said the judiciary remains committed to strengthening the legislative framework to enhance justice against perpetrators of GBV.

“We have an obligation to protect our people from all forms of physical and emotional violence.” He said.

And Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao said the Anti GBV fast-track court has come at the right time.

Mr Mbao said the court’s operations will be enhanced with the presence of one stop centres that were established in all the 12 districts in the province through the Natwampane Project.

“These one stop centres are entry points for justice against the vice, and the coming of the court is a milestone.” Mr. Mbao said.

He noted that cultural norms that negatively affect the fight against GBV should be discouraged.

Earlier, United Nations Representative James Wakiaga observed that the fast track court will help address GBV cases in an effective manner.

Mr Wakiaga disclosed that according to the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit report, the province recorded 42,900 GBV cases in 2023, out of which 25, 000 were women.

He said economic development cannot be attained if women and girls remain suppressed through sexual and gender-based violence.

Mr Wakiaga is hopeful that the judiciary will ensure the sustainability of the court beyond the project.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Gender Justice, Anessie Banda – Bobo said the court will help mitigate the rising number of GBV cases.

Justice Bobo said the court is a beacon of hope.

She noted that the success of the court is dependent on the professionalism and dedication of the judicial staff assigned.

And Judge In-Charge of Northern Province Mathew Zulu, said the establishment of the Gender Based Violence fast-track court is timely.

ZANIS