Zambian music artist Wezi has weighed in on the ongoing debate around justice reforms for sexual offence cases, urging authorities and the public not to overlook the realities faced by victims.
In a strongly worded statement shared publicly, the singer addressed concerns about false accusations, acknowledging that the fear is legitimate but warning against allowing it to overshadow what she described as a long-standing injustice.
“The fear of false accusations is real and it should never be dismissed,” she said. “But that fear cannot outweigh the lived reality of victims who have spent years watching their abusers walk free.”
Wezi highlighted what she called systemic challenges, including accused individuals being released on bail and allegedly intimidating witnesses or manipulating legal processes. According to her, this often leads to cases collapsing before they reach conclusion.
She emphasized that proposed legal amendments are not about presuming guilt, but rather about managing risk, particularly in cases involving sexual offences. “Sexual offences are not ordinary crimes,” she stated, pointing to elements such as power dynamics, fear, and repeated harm.
The artist argued that when suspects are released immediately, victims often remain under psychological and social pressure, sometimes forcing them into silence. “Justice dies long before the court can even decide the truth,” she added.
Addressing critics of stricter laws, Wezi noted that all legal frameworks carry the risk of misuse. However, she maintained that this should not be grounds for weakening protections. Instead, she called for stronger systems, improved investigations, and accountability measures, including penalties for false reporting.
She further stressed that the central issue is determining who bears the greater risk in a weak legal system. “Right now, it is the child, the woman, the vulnerable person who has no protection once an offender walks free,” she said.
Wezi concluded by acknowledging that while no law is perfect, reforms aimed at strengthening protections for victims are necessary. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that those falsely accused are cleared swiftly and that malicious claims are addressed firmly.
Her remarks have added a prominent voice to the national conversation, as debates continue around balancing the rights of the accused with the need to protect victims.