Woman docked for assaulting teen nephew in firewood dispute

MULENGA MUSONDA writes@SunZambian A 52-YEAR-OLD woman has been arraigned to the Choma Fast Track Court for Gender Based Violence for allegedly assaulting her nephew over firewood.In this matter Alice Muzyamba of Choma’s Mbole village is charged with Assault on a Child contrary to the Laws of Zambia.Allegations are that Muzyamba assaulted a named juvenile boy of 14 years and thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.The incident is said to have occurred on 22 August 2019 when the two had an altercation over firewood which the victim was gathering in the Aunt’s farm.When she appeared for plea before Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri, the accused person strongly denied the allegation levelled against her.Court: Have you understood the charge read to you?Muzyamba: YesCourt: And how do you plead?Muzyamba: I deny.Court: You deny?Muzyamba: Yes.Court: I record a plea of not guilty.After recording a plea of not guilty, matter could not proceed into trial despite the State indicating that they were ready to proceed with three witnesses.This was after the accused person applied that she engages legal representation.The matter was adjourned to 16 September 2020 for trial.Muzyamba’s police bond was extended. The Sun