CPTL Calls for Reformatory Placement for Serious Bullying Offenders

The Centre for Peacebuilding and Transformative Leadership (CPTL) has condemned the alleged bullying incident captured in a viral video at David Kaunda National Technical Secondary School in Lusaka, describing the incident as a serious violation of children’s rights. CPTL Executive Director Mayani Musumali has called for immediate action against bullying and other forms of violence […]

The Centre for Peacebuilding and Transformative Leadership (CPTL) has condemned the alleged bullying incident captured in a viral video at David Kaunda National Technical Secondary School in Lusaka, describing the incident as a serious violation of children’s rights.

CPTL Executive Director Mayani Musumali has called for immediate action against bullying and other forms of violence in schools, while recommending rehabilitation and reformatory placement for serious or persistent offenders.

In a media statement, Musumali said CPTL considers the reported assault with utmost seriousness, stressing that bullying can have lasting consequences on children who experience it.

She said bullying can result in emotional and psychological harm, including anxiety, depression and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Musumali further pointed to Zambia’s Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, which provides a legal framework for the protection of children. She cited Sections 9(1) and 10 as provisions safeguarding children from physical, psychological and mental injury.

According to CPTL, the definition of child abuse under the legislation covers various forms of harmful conduct, including verbal abuse, physical assault and intimidation.

Musumali also highlighted the Secondary Education Commitment Forms, which prohibit bullying and cyberbullying and provide for disciplinary measures including suspension and expulsion.

She said the Child Safeguarding Guidelines for the Education Sector, launched in January 2025, further strengthen Zambia’s response to violence and bullying in schools.

CPTL says perpetrators of serious offences against children must be held accountable within the law, noting that the Children’s Code provides penalties that may include fines and imprisonment depending on the offence.

However, Musumali said accountability should also be accompanied by rehabilitation, particularly where the offenders are children themselves.

She recommended that serious bullying offenders who pose a continued risk to other learners should be considered for placement in reformatory institutions such as Katombora Reformatory School, where they can receive rehabilitation, education, counselling and skills training.

According to CPTL, such an approach would serve two purposes: protecting other learners from further harm while giving offending children an opportunity to change their behaviour and develop skills that can support their reintegration into society.

Musumali noted that Katombora Reformatory School has been upgraded to a secondary school and provides structured rehabilitation programmes aimed at equipping juveniles with practical skills while promoting discipline and a sense of belonging.

She said the approach should not simply be about punishment, but should also address the underlying behavioural issues that may contribute to serious offending.

CPTL has consequently urged the Ministry of Education to ensure that laws and safeguarding policies are consistently enforced across schools and to consider reformatory placement as an option for persistent and serious bullying cases, where legally appropriate.

The organisation’s position comes amid growing public concern over school bullying and violence following the circulation of a video allegedly showing a learner being assaulted by another pupil.

The incident has generated significant discussion on social media, with members of the public calling for stronger measures to protect learners and ensure that schools remain safe environments.

The debate has also highlighted the need to balance accountability with the rehabilitation of young offenders, particularly when those involved are themselves children.

CPTL says tackling bullying requires cooperation between schools, parents, learners, government institutions and child-protection organisations to ensure that victims are protected while offenders receive appropriate consequences and opportunities for reform.