. Kasosa

By CHATULA KAMPO –
Copperbelt police chief Joyce Kasosa says the crime rate in the province has reduced by 24 per cent after it recorded 19,300 cases  this year compared to 25,500 in 2013.
Ms Kasosa said during the 2014 annual ball for senior police officers at Kansenshi Officers Mess in Ndola on Friday evening that gender based violence (GBV) was however still on the rise.
“From December 2012 to November 2013 reported crime statics stood at
25,579 while in the same period from last year to this year it was
19,331 representing a 24 percent reduction rate,
“However, from the crime reported, Gender based Violence (GBV) cases
such as rape and defilement are on the higher side compared to other
types of crime,” she said.
She said the police was finding it difficult to curb GBV cases because
the nature of the offence which occurs within the confines of a home.
“We shall continue to carry out sensitisation campaigns with the help of other
stakeholders in curbing the vice as its solution lies with the change
of the mind set and altitude of the people,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge
commended the police for their effort to reduce crime in the province.
Mr Musenge said it was sad that defilement and rape cases were still
high in the province.
“It is embarrassing that defilement and rape cases are  reported  to
be increasing  in our  society, let  us all try our best  in eradicating these  vices which have mainly affected  the  growing generation,” he said.
Mr Musenge attributed the reduction in crime to police team work and
professionalism.