Indecent assault charge attracts K5, 000 bail fee

By MULENGA MUSONDA A 23-YEAR-OLD man accused of inappropriately touching a minor has been granted K5, 000 bail by the Choma Fast Track Court for Gender-Based Violence. Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo granted Kayombo Kakoma K5, 000 bail in his own recognizance and to provide two suitable sureties that will be bound in like sum in a matter he is charged with indecent assault on a girl contrary to the laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Kakoma on January 21, in Choma unlawfully and indecently assaulted a girl below the age of 16 years. When he appeared for plea in court, Kakoma understood the charge interpreted to him in Lozi by Catherine Kasale which he denied. Court: Have you understood the charge? Kakoma: Yes I have. Court: How do you plead? Kakoma: I deny. Court: I record a plea of not guilty. After entering a plea of not guilty, Senior Public Prosecutor Charles Chinzai indicated to the court that eight witnesses will take the stand in testifying against the accused person at the next sitting. The matter was adjourned to February 8 for commencement of trial.