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LUSAKA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has recorded an increase of 7.7 percent in gender-based violence in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, the police said on Wednesday.
Zambia Police Deputy Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said a total of 4,998 gender-based violence cases were reported countrywide during the first quarter of 2016 compared to 4,615 cases reported during the same period last year.
"This translates in an increase of 383 cases, or 7.7 percent," he said.
Hamoonga said 703 cases of child defilement were reported countrywide, representing 14.1 percent of the total number of gender-based violence cases during the period.
Lusaka, the country's capital, recorded the highest number of defilement cases, with 365 ones.
Gender-based violence cases in Zambia have been a source of concern, with stakeholders calling for stiffening of punishments for offenders.
In March this year, the government launched a second user-friendly fast-track court in Lusaka to specifically expedite gender-based violence cases.
The first such court was launched in central Zambia's Kabwe town.
The courts are aimed at increasing access to justice for victims and alleged perpetrators alike by dealing with cases speedily. Enditem
