Boy, 12, changes defilement plea

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 12-YEAR-OLD boy who is accused of defiling his mother’s boss’s daughter aged 2-years-old has changed his plea to not guilty after a state defense lawyer moved in to defend him. This is in a matter in which the juvenile pleaded guilty earlier to one count of Defilement of a Child contrary […]

Boy, 12, changes defilement plea
MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 12-YEAR-OLD boy who is accused of defiling his mother’s boss’s daughter aged 2-years-old has changed his plea to not guilty after a state defense lawyer moved in to defend him. This is in a matter in which the juvenile pleaded guilty earlier to one count of Defilement of a Child contrary to section 138 subsection 1 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence are that the Grade 5 pupil on 16th March 2020 in Choma unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a girl below the age of sixteen. A fortnight ago when he appeared for plea before Resident Magistrate Seliya Kanunka, the juvenile who sat next to his mother admitted the charge made against him seeing the matter being adjourned to 14 April 2020 for Facts, Social Welfare report and possible sentencing. But when matter came up for Facts before Court, Counsel Ernest Chilufya from Legal Aid Board Services moved in to defend the juvenile and applied to the Court that he retakes plea. Magistrate Kanunka granted the application and the juvenile pleaded not guilty. The matter was then adjourned to 29 April 2020 for trial. The Juvenile is on police bond.