Youth denies rape charge

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been dragged to the Choma Fast Track Court for Gender Based Violence on allegations of using his muscles to forcefully have sex with a woman. In this matter Goodson Mudenda of Choma’s Mwapona Township is charged with Rape contrary to section 133 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Mudenda unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a female without her consent. The incident is said to have happened on 23rd June 2020 in Chomadistrict. When he appeared for plea before Senior Resident Magistrate IdahMupemo on Thursday morning, Mudenda disputed the allegations levelled against him compelling the Court to enter a plea of not guilty. Court: Have you understood the charge read to you? Mudenda: Yes. Court: Do you admit or deny? Mudenda: I deny. Court: I record a plea of not guilty. After entering a plea of not guilty, the Court granted the accused person K5,000 Bail in his own recognisance with two working sureties or with proof of ownership of fixed assets in Choma. The sureties will be bound in the like sum and in their own recognisance. The matter was adjourned to 15th July 2020 for trial after Senior Public Prosecutor Alex Syulikwa made the application. The Sun