By Temwa Tembo

The Child Advocacy Centre (CAC)  has raised serious concern over what it calls a troubling pattern in the way courts handle cases involving prominent individuals accused of sexually abusing or exploiting children.

Speaking to YFM, CAC executive director Memory Chisenga said the justice system is failing to send a strong message against child abuse, especially when influential figures are implicated.

She described the situation as “pathetic and disheartening,” noting that the courts seem reluctant to take decisive action in such cases.

According to Chisenga, many child abuse cases involving high-profile suspects take an unreasonably long time to conclude.

“We have seen cases dragging on for years without meaningful progress. You hear of endless adjournments or that the magistrate is unavailable, until eventually the case is discharged. This is unacceptable,” she said.

She further warned that such delays not only deny justice to child survivors but also undermine national efforts to eliminate child abuse.

Chisenga added that the public often misinterprets bail as a sign of innocence or freedom, which further erodes confidence in the justice system.