Schilongo’s forgiveness not a blessing on GBV – ZEC

The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has said that the forgiveness and reconciliation that has taken place between Sister Emma Chakupaleza and Mr. Daswell Sichilongo is not a blessing on Gender Based Violence (GBV).

ZEC secretary General Father Cleophas Lungu said this at Kapingila house when Sister Emma reconciled with Mr. Sichilongo after the former withdrew the case of assault from the courts of law, Monday 22^nd September, 2014.

Mr. Sicholongo, a Roma Girls High School teacher was taken to court over the case in which he beat up the Catholic nun and Head Teacher Sister Emma Chikupaleza after she locked his house for failure to pay rentals.

In a statement issued by the Zambia Episcopal Conference Communications officer Mwenya Mukuka, the ZEC Secretary General emphasized that the forgiveness of Mr. Sichilongo by Sister Emma is in the spirit of forgiveness as Christ Jesus did on the cross.

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Zambia, we are thankful to Sr. Emma who has taken the action of Jesus on the cross, who was mocked, almost dying but forgave,” Fr. Lungu said.

Mr. Mukuka added that Father Lungu also urged Mr. Sichilongo never to repeat gender based violence on his wife; children or indeed any sister said that the nation does not become a Christian by declaration only but by practical actions. 

He added that there is need in Zambia for a fresh start as we celebrate golden Jubilee in Zambia.

“What we have witnessed here should be translated into the political circles too. Reconciliation and forgiveness should be in the Zambia we want,” He noted.

And Mr. Daswell Sichilongo and on behalf of his family, he has unreservedly apologised to Sr Emma Chapukalesa, her congregation, the Religious Sisters of  Charity, Zambia, his students and the world.

 “I apologise unreservedly.  Sr. Emma’s family please do forgive me. Am very sorry, I apologise to the world, religious groups and please help me to grow into a better leader. I will never do such kind of a thing,” Mr. Sichilongo said. 

 “I also wish to offer my apologies to the Catholic Church, the entire Sisterhood of Zambia, the Management Board of Roma Girls’ Secondary School and those who were aggrieved by my action on that fateful day, especially the family of Sr. Emma. Please do forgive me the way Sr. Emma and the Religious Sisters of Charity have done.  They have shown us that it is possible to forgive and reconcile with those who have wronged one in any situation,” He added.

And Mr. Sichilongo has said that to show remorse for his actions he has accepted to undergo psychological counseling so that such situations do not occur again.

And Religious Sisters of Charity regional leader Sister Margaret Mary Chileshe has accepted the apology of Mr. Sichilongo.