The Human Rights Commission in Zambia has condemned Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Gary Nkombo, for forcing a woman and her children to drink Kachasu, a local illicit beer.
Yesterday, the minister who was in company with police officers invaded some parts of Lusaka pouncing on Kachasu brewing businesses.
When Nkombo and his delegates found a woman brewing Kachasu, he forced her alongside her children to drink it.
A video has since gone viral on social media, attracting criticisms from all corners with the Human Right Commission describing the act as arbitrary and a violation of the woman’s and her children’s human rights.
“Forcing of the trio to drink the illicit beer or face arrest amounted to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and was a violation of Article 15 of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia.
“The minister’s conduct further violated the rights of the woman and her children to secure the protection of the law as provided for under Article 18 of the Constitution,” reads in part the statement.
Added the statement: “The Commission is concerned that the Minister extended the illegal punishment to the woman’s children, who might possibly be under age and that his conduct amounted to victimisation of suspects.
“Brewing or selling prohibited beverages such as kachasu has prescribed penalties under the law and forcing perpetrators to consume the prohibited products is not one of the prescribed punishments and must, therefore, be condemned.”
