20 year old Choma man charged for battering ex-girlfriend

MULENGA MUSONDA writes @SunZambian A 20-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in the Choma Fast Track Court for Gender Based Violence for assaulting his former girlfriend over child support. Bright Hachikwela, a businessman is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to section 248 Chapter 87 of the Penal of the Laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Hachikwela assaulted his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend Imelda Musonda and thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm. The incident is said to have occurred on December 22, 2020 when Ms Musonda with whom he has a child with went to collect child support at his kiosk. It is alleged that Ms Musonda was infuriated when he gave her a precut bar soap which resulted in a quarrel and finally a beating. When he appeared for plea before Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri, Hachikwela denied the allegations against him compelling the court to record a plea of innocent. The matter was adjourned to January 11 for commencement of trial after Public Prosecutor Pearson Chilumbu applied for an adjournment to prepare the witnesses.