DPP takes over nude pictures case
…as women protest over cop who stripped a woman and daughter naked and took pictures of their private parts
...as women protest over Cop who stripped a woman and daughter naked and took pictures of private parts
THE case of a police officer who forced female suspects to undress and proceeded to take nude pictures of them, has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
And tensions are high over the same case with a group of women in Kasempa protesting against the police over human rights abuse against the woman and her daughter who were asked to undress as the officer took pictures of their private parts.
Meanwhile, North Western Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka told journalists yesterday that the case has been investigated and the findings have been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The protest happened after an entourage comprising the District Commissioner, ZANIS and Community Development and Social Welfare were blocked from visiting the victims at Kasempa police station.
The entourage was not allowed because of what police officers referred to as “procedure.”
The Police officer-in-charge later told everyone, including the protesting women, that it was not necessary to meet with the victims as he would give a full report.
Mr Daka identified the policeman as Constable Kalebwe.
“It has been alleged that on November, 7th, 2017, at around 21:30 hours at Kasempa police station, No. 43948 Constable Kalebwe, whilst alone at the inquiries office due to the fact that most officers were out for special duties, the officer decided to take two female suspects one by one, namely Grace Sitampa (mother) and Dynes Sitampa (daughter) detained in police custody for the offence of murder, out of the cell to a private room where he told them that as per procedure, he needed to photograph them whilst naked.
“He told them the pictures were needed at the Police Service Headquarters. The suspects believed him and removed clothes then he proceeded to get pictures using his mobile phone. Matter under investigations but the pictures were deleted from the phone,” Mr Daka said.
Earlier in a joint press statement, Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council and Young Women Christian Association expressed sadness that such acts could be condoned by an institution which was sup- posed to protect and fight human rights violations.
The two organisations expressed disappointment that the incident happened during the period of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
“As the women’s movement in the province and country, we shall not rest until the perpetrator is brought to book and face the law,” read part of the joint press statement.