Choma GBV cases in winter high

MULENGA MUSONDA writes THE Choma Fast Track Court for Gender-based Violence has continued to receive high numbers of sexual related offences this winter. With each new week, the court receives cases ranging from defilement, indecent assault and attempted rape. In latest case, a 38-year-old man was brought to court on allegations of inappropriately touching a woman. Dube Siamujako a Cattle Herdsman residing in Choma’s Zambia Township is charged with indecent assault on a female contrary to the Laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Siamujako unlawfully and indecently touched a female without her consent. The alleged incident happened on 31 May, 2020 in Choma. When the matter came up for plea before Senior Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo, Siamujako in a soft tone distanced himself from the allegations made against him. Court: Do you understand the charge read against you? Siamujako: Yes, I do. Court: Do you admit or deny? Siamujako: I deny. Court: I record a plea of not guilty. After Siamujako pleaded not guilty he applied for bail which the court granted him following the State not objecting to the application. He was granted K5,000 bail in his own recognisance with two traceable working sureties to be bound in the like sum and in their own recognisance. The accused was remanded in custody and will only be released after meeting bail requirements. The matter was adjourned to 16 July, 2020 for trial. The Sun