EDUCATION ON CRIME CRITICAL – PRISCCA

PRISONS Care and Counselling Association (PRISCCA), Executive Director Godfrey Malembeka has expressed the need for basic legal awareness and education if the country is to witness reduction in criminal activities.

Dr. Malembeka explained to The Scoop that lack of legal education among citizens led to ignorant ways of doing things, especially criminal-related activities.

He called for the sensitization of citizens on the country’s Constitution and also called for funding in all units that look out for the wellbeing of the people like the Child Protection Unit, Education Campaign Unit and the Victim Support Unit.

He, however, commended the Zambia Police Service for their continued efforts in nabbing many criminals committing offences but emphasized the need to educate citizens to desist from committing criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Zambia Empowerment Hub for Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (ZEHEST), a Youth led organization, is worried about the rise in criminal cases in the country.

ZEHEST Executive Director Clarence Muzyamba attributed the rise in criminal cases to high unemployment rate and poverty among citizens.

Mr. Muzyamba said that youth unemployment was a time bomb and that it was unfortunate to see many youths indulging in wrong vices.

“Youths are idling around with nothing to do, a situation which must concern every Zambian,” Mr. Muzyamba said.

He called on the Government and other stakeholders to create opportunities for young people to thrive amid current economic challenges.

He explained that once the Government comes up with a communication strategy that will bridge the information gap on the Government developmental activities reaching the public, then the country will witness an improvement in the business environment.

The Zambia Police Service recorded a total of 78,193 criminal cases in 2023 compared to 76,422 cases recorded in 2022.