23 teachers dismissed in Zambia over sex with pupils

At least 23 teachers were dismissed in Zambia for sexually abusing and impregnating pupils in 2016, state-run news agency reported on Saturday, according to China's Xinhua news agency.

The Teaching Service Commission, a quasi-government agency that oversees all matters related to terms and conditions of teacher services, said the teachers were dismissed for having sex with the pupils and impregnating others during the period January to December 2016, according to the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS).

Jennifer Chiwala, the chairperson of the body however said two provinces, Lusaka and Luapula, did not record any cases of sexual abuse of pupils.

"As of January 2016 to December 2016, a total of 23 teachers were dismissed out of which 13 were dismissed for having carnal knowledge of pupils while the other 10 were dismissed for impregnating pupils," she said.

According to her, investigations have been launched concerning the sexual abuse of pupils by teachers and that a comprehensive report will be issued after the investigations.

Last month, some pupils at a girls' school in northern Zambia complained of sexual abuse by teachers, a move that caused anger, forcing the government to launch investigations.

So far, some teachers have been suspended at the school after they were implicated of perpetrating the trend by the pupils during investigations. -- BERNAMA