General Kanene: Zambia pardons singer who raped 14 year old - makes him ambassador against sexual violence

Clifford Dimba, known as General Kanene, has been involved in two further incidents of violence against women since his release

President Edgar Lungu reviews a guard of honour after being sworn in on 25 January, 2015 at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka (SALIM DAWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

UN human rights experts have criticsed Zambia after it pardoned a singer who was convicted of the rape of a 14-year-old girl - then appointed him as an ambassador in the fight against gender violence.

Clifford Dimba, known as General Kanene, was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to 18 years in prison, but was pardoned by President Edgar Lungu after serving one year.

Since his release, the singer has been involved in two further incidents of violence against women, according to the United Nations Council of Human Rights.

“Such an outrageous release and appointment as an ambassador for the fight against gender-based violence not only traumatises the victim all over again but discourages other victims from reporting similar offences,” said Dubravka Šimonović, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.

“The pardon and appointment undermine the strong message against sexual abuse of women and girls that was sent with the original sentence and trivialise the serious nature of these offences,” Ms Šimonović added.

“Rather, Clifford Dimba has been placed in a prominent position and even portrayed as a role model to fight violence against women.”

UN experts have called on the Government of Zambia to withdraw Dimba's appointment and ensure there are no further pardons for crimes against women and girls.