The Zambia Police Service has reported a sharp increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, recording a total of 11,177 incidents in the first quarter of 2025. This reflects a 15.2% rise compared to the 9,700 cases documented during the same period in 2024.
According to a report issued to RCV News by Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, in Lusaka today, 7,170 of the cases were criminal in nature, while 4,007 were categorized as non-criminal.
“The number of GBV-related murders stood at 29, the same as recorded last year,” said Mr. Hamoonga.
He further revealed that children accounted for 22.1% of all GBV victims, with girls comprising a staggering 73.4% of these cases.
Mr. Hamoonga noted that while the increase in reported cases could reflect growing public confidence in law enforcement, the figures also underscore the urgent need for enhanced GBV prevention and response mechanisms.
By Margaret Mwanza
