Chibuye scorfs at low sextortion numbers
By Tony Nkhoma
LOW numbers of sextortion and gender based violence cases recorded in higher learning institutions between the year 2021 and 2024 by government has angered the Roan independent Member of Parliament Joel Chibuye.
Chibuye expressed deep disappointment with the government for only recording eight cases of sextortion and GBV in institutions of higher learning when the vice was at its alarming levels in the country.
He was reacting to acting Minister of Education Elvis Nkandu’s statement to Parliament on Wednesday during the Oral and Answer Sessions that only eight cases of sextortion and GBV across the country’s institutions of higher learning since 2021 had been reported since the year 2021.
Nkandu told the Speaker of the National Assembly that the issue of sextortion and GBV was not a dire situation considering the recorded statistics.
“I am just happy that, Madam Speaker, I think the situation is not so dire, looking at the cases that have been reported. And I also understand the frustration and also how my member is worried about the statistics. Madam Speaker, we can only give out what is reported. The fact that these were the cases that were reported, obviously these are very official. It will be very difficult for us to start manufacturing cases unless these issues are reported,” Nkandu said.
Chibuye said sextortion had continued to happen at a rapid rate leading key organisations in the country to embark on awareness campaigns.
“Honourable minister, this is a very, very bad advice, and a few months ago one organisation came out strongly against the same vice,” he said
“I will respect the statistics that have been given by the acting minister of education. Even when I’m not comfortable with the statistics, looking at the broad definition of sextortion, I believe there are more cases out there that need to be captured,” Chibuye said.
He said the failure by government to take swift action on sextortion will have serious effects on the nation’s performance in terms of deliverables.
Chibuye said sexually transmitted Degrees (STD’s) are a danger to the country’s national development and compromises the quality of education.
Nkandu in his oral answer to Parliament said according to records from the Higher Education Authority, a total of eight cases of gender-based violence and extortion were formally reported between 2021 and 2024.
“In 2021, we had two cases. In 2022, we had three cases. In 2023, we had two cases. In 2024, we had only one case. As of September 2025 this year, no new case has been reported,” Nkandu said.
He said confidential and anonymous reporting platforms are being encouraged and also developed to enable students to report cases safely and without fear of reprisals.
“The Government will continue to enforce a policy of zero tolerance, strengthen institutional accountability and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that education in Zambia remains safe, remains credible and also a true source of national pride,”Nkandu said.
In September 2025, Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation (NMF) in partnership with Victoria International Development Education Association (VIDEA) organised the “Raised Voices project” Conference for Universities and higher learning institutions.
Over 400 students attended the conference held under the theme “My voice is power. My silence is not consent on GBV and Sextortion.
