Human Rights Advocate and Democracy Specialist Ngande Mwanajiti has urged for a bolder approach in reclassifying court sentences to deter corruption.
Mr. Mwanajiti said no patriotic Zambian should oppose the forfeiture of property obtained fraudulently, once proven by a competent court of law. He argued that individuals who complain of victimization when caught are not remorseful, but rather unwilling to accept accountability.
He added that existing punishments are not strong enough to discourage corruption, noting that some sections of society see nothing wrong with stealing public resources.
Mr. Mwanajiti emphasized that custodial sentences are meant to reshape society by making crimes such as theft clearly unacceptable. He called for a platform to promote honest dialogue about vices that weaken the nation.
He cited the theft of medicines in public hospitals as an example, stressing that perpetrators of such crimes are often supported by their beneficiaries.
This was contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka today.
