Katete man denies offering military training to 15 persons illegally

——- A 32-year- old man of Katete district has pleaded not guilty to offering military training to 15 persons.

Gift George Hanseluka, in count one, stands charged with an offence of unlawful drilling contrary to Section 66 (1) (a) of the Penal Code and Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that on August 21, this year, while in Katete, Hanseluka did drill Ephraim Tembo, Geoffrey Banda, Mildred Gondwe , Isaiah Phiri, Daniel Chirwa, Samson soko, Verally Soko, Michael Chama, Dickson Daka, Bridget Bathsheba Phiri, Alick Daka, Ruth Banda, Gloria Phiri, Reuben Banda and Alick Phiri the practice of military movement without the permission from the President. 

In count 2 up to count 17 Hanseluka stands charged with the offences of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code and Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars in the 16 counts are that between 19 and 22 August, this year, Hanseluka, with intent to deprive, did obtain K 750 cash from , Ephraim Tembo, Geoffrey Banda, Mildred Gondwe , Isaiah Phiri, Daniel Chirwa, Samson soko, Verally Soko, Michael Chama, Dickson Daka, Bridget Bathsheba Phiri, Alick Daka, Ruth Banda, Gloria Phiri, Reuben Banda, Alick Phiri respectively by falsely pretending that he would help them get employed in government after undergoing private investigations training at his school called WHITE DOVE when in fact not.

Earlier before he could take plea, Hanseluka told court that he understood Tonga and spoke fluently despite staying in Eastern province.

Magistrate Mary Musongole asked Hanseluka how he was managing communicating with people in a Nyanja and Chewa language dominated area if he could only speak Tonga and a bit of English.

However, Hanseluka, changed his stance and told the court that he was also able to speak Nyanja and allowed the court to proceed in Nyanja.

Taking plea, Hanseluka said he was not guilty to all the charges but told the court that he obtained the money from the said persons with intent to open a company with them.

As reading of the offences proceeded, Hanseluka started responding in English, a situation that prompted the Magistrate to remind him that he was to stick to the language he earlier agreed to proceed with.

Hanseluka applied for bail but the court denied his application on ground of the nature of the offences committed, adding that chances of him interfering with the witnesses were very high.

The matter has since been adjourned to September 15 for commencement of trial while Hanseluka remains in police custody.