Kitwe | December 27, 2025 – A Kitwe subordinate court, on December 22, 2025, convicted an adult woman on two counts of defilement involving male children under the age of sixteen, sending a strong message that boys are also at risk of defilement and sexual abuse.

The accused, who shared a bedroom with one of the victims, was found guilty after evidence conclusively proved she had unlawfully carnally known two boys, manipulating and exploiting them over time.

The prosecution was led by Senior Public Prosecutor K. K. Kapepa of the National Prosecution Authority, Kitwe office, who presented evidence establishing all essential elements of the offences, while meticulously upholding protocols to safeguard the child victims’ anonymity.

All details that could reveal the children’s identities have been withheld, in line with child protection laws and the best interests of the victims.

Evidence presented in Court revealed that the offender used digital media to groom the children. She would routinely show them age-appropriate content such as comedies, then gradually moved on to pornographic material, and encouraged the children to recreate what they saw.

This pattern of grooming and manipulation highlights how abusers can exploit technology and positions of trust to normalise sexual behaviour and coerce children into defilement.

Defilement is commonly associated with female victims, but this case proves that boys can be victims too, and women can perpetrate such crimes.

The Court emphasised that consent is irrelevant when the victim is a child. Any perceived willingness by a child does not absolve the offender from responsibility. Medical evidence and witness testimony confirmed the acts of defilement and that both boys were under sixteen at the time.

Following conviction, the matter has been referred to the High Court for sentencing. Subordinate Courts cannot impose the statutory penalties for defilement, which under Section 138(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, carries a penalty of imprisonment for not less than fifteen years and may extend to life imprisonment. The High Court referral ensures that the sentence is lawful, proportionate, and reflective of the seriousness of the offences.

This case is a wake-up call for all households that children of all genders must be protected, and signs of grooming and abuse must be taken seriously.

The National Prosecution Authority reiterates its commitment to pursuing justice against all acts of defilement. Perpetrators will face the full weight of the law, while the safety and privacy of child victims remain paramount.