-Senior police officer’s defilement case in new twist

Senior police officer’s defilement case in new twist
Chinsali, March 6, 2013, ZANIS…A defilement case involving a senior
police officer in Chinsali district has taken a new twist after the trial magistrate

Shadrick Chanda decided to recuse himself from handling the matter.

The only surety for the accused person has also decided to withdraw on
grounds that he will be retiring from the police service next
month.

This is in a case in which Chinsali police station officer –in-charge
Assistant Superintendent Steven Mwenge, 35, is facing one count of
defilement contrary to Section 138 (1) of Act number 15 of 2005 and
Act Number 2 of 2010 Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

 Chief Inspector Choongo applied to withdraw as the only surety for
Mwenge when the matter came up for trial yesterday.

Chief Inspector Choongo told the trial magistrate Shadrick Chanda that
he was due for retirement next month and could therefore, not continue
to be a surety for the accused person as he will be out of town in
Lusaka to finalise his retirement.

He said that he had decided to withdraw because one of the bail
conditions stipulates that the surety should be a senior officer serving
in the public service.

Magistrate Chanda granted the application and gave Mwenge new bail conditions.

By the end of court session, Mwenge had not yet met the new bail
condition and was spotted around the court premises trying to find a new
surety.

Magistrate Chanda granted Mwenge a KR10, 000 bail in his own
recognizance with one working surety who must be a Zambian and working
in the Zambia civil service holding a senior position.

And Magistrate Shedrick Chanda has also declared interest in the
matter in conformity with section 78(A) cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

 Magistrate Chanda said he cannot preside over the matter adding that
the accused person is a close associate and have worked together in
many spheres of duty.

He said he is transferring the matter to Nakonde Magistrate John
Njapau who he said is well placed and independent to preside
over this case.
Meanwhile, Chinsali public prosecutor Winford Chavula has excused
himself from the matter because Mwenge is a senior police officer and
cannot be prosecuted by a junior officer adding that another senior
prosecutor from Lusaka will take over the matter.

Magistrate Chanda has since adjourned the matter to March 14, 2013 for
continued trial.

Mwenge of house number 1 Nakatindi Street in Mayadi compound in
Chinsali  is alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16 years  contrary to Section 138(1) of Act Number 15 of 2005 and Act Number 2 of 2010 Cap
87 of the laws of  Zambia.
ENDS/MK/JM/CSB……………DRY