Tanzanian denies defiling girl (9)

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A60-years-old Tanzanian national has been docked in the Nakonde Magistrates Court for allegedly defiling a nine years old girl. In this matter Robert Kalinga a Tailor is charged with Defilement of a child contrary to the Laws of Zambia. It is alleged that Kalinga had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl believed to be below the age of 16. The alleged incident is said to have occurred on 24th July 2020 in Chiyanga Village of Nakonde district bordering with Tanzania. Before the Court could read out the  charge to him, Kalinga was informed of the statutory Proviso which states that, in the event  he felt the girl was above the age of 16 years he could raise it as part of his defence. When the charge was finally read to him  by Resident Magistrate George Banda , the 60 years old Kalinga in his native language Swahili strongly disputed the allegations levelled against him. Court: Have you understood the charge against you? Kalinga: Yes Court: Have you also understood the statutory defence you can use? Kalinga: Yes Court: How do you plead? Kalinga: I deny this offence. After entering a plea of not guilty Magistrate Banda adjourned the matter to 7th August 2020 to start hearing witness testimonies. The Tanzanian national was remanded in custody. The Sun