Homosexuality is a serious offence in Zambia – Kanjela

—The Zambia Police Service has warned that homosexuality is a very serious offence in Zambia.

The warning comes following an article that appeared in today’s Zambia Daily Mail, edition number 080 concerning gay marriages.

In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Police Spokesperson, Elizabeth Kanjela, noted that the offence attracts a sentence of not less than five years imprisonment once one is convicted under Unnatural Offences of Section 155, 156 and 158 CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Ms Kanjela, therefore, indicated that anyone who will be found wanting will face the wrath of the law as the police will be vigilant on perpetrators of such a crime.

Ms Kanjela has since appealed to members of the public to report anyone found committing such a crime to any nearest police station in order to maintain sanity in communities.

In another development, police in Central Province have arrested one man out of the four who raped a girl of 18 years old.

The remaining three are reported to be on the run after committing the offence.

Police Spokesperson, Elizabeth Kanjela, said the incident occurred between 10:00hrs and 22:00hrs on April 2, 2013, at Mpongwe turnoff area.

Ms Kanjela identified the arrested man as Mike Manyongo.

She explained that the victim was dragged into the bush by the culprits who then tied her legs and hands and started having carnal knowledge of her several times.

The victim has since sustained bruises on her private parts and general body pains.

Ms Kanjela said the suspect has been charged with rape contrary to Section 132 Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia and will appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, police in Katete District in Eastern Province have arrested 288 rioters of which 144 are males, 117 are females while the rest are children under 18 years old.

This follows the riot that erupted in the district this morning.

Police Spokesperson, Elizabeth Kanjela, has told ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka today that the screening of the culprits is still going on.

Ms Kanjela said the police have also recovered assorted goods ranging from food stuffs, groceries, generators, and farming implements among others.

She has urged members of the public not to take the law in their hands but to report any problem they may be faced with to the nearest police station.

Ms Kanjela has also thanked the Ministry of Defence and other security wings for working with the police in bringing the situation back to sanity.