Four youths on Tuesday morning appeared in the Kasama Magistrate Court on charges of assaulting Kasama District Administrative Officer (DAO) Beauty Namukoko.
Appearing before Principal Resident Magistrate, Osward Chibalo, the accused quartet namely; Andrew Sichimba, 27 of Mukulumpe township, Boniface Kaonga, 30 of Musenga township, Nathan Phiri, 23 of Amini village and Costen Kalimwengo 24 of Winberg suburb, pleaded not guilty.
According to Kasama based Radio Mano, the four local youths, suspected to be political cadres, that are allegedly seen captured in a video that has gone viral beating up Ms. Namukoko in her office last Friday for allegedly denying them empowerment.
The four are facing a charge of assault, criminal trespass and theft.
And Magistrate Chibalo has denied the accused bail after the State objected to their lawyer’s application on grounds that none of them is of a fixed abode.
The accused are remanded in custody at Kasama’s Milima Correctional Facility.
This matter has since been adjourned to 27th January, 2022 for commencement of the trial.
Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday took interest in the case.
President Hichilema expressed sadness over the attack on Ms. Namukoko and told police to protect people.
The head of state said the police do not require his instruction to protect citizens, saying this is the more reason that if they are failing to protect the citizens then he, as Republican President, does not need them.
And Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao on Sunday visited Ms. Namukoko who was assaulted by unruly youths suspected to be political cadres over empowerment funds on Friday last week.
Mr. Mbao who visited Ms. Namukoko at her home disclosed that she is recovering well.
Mr. Mbao assured her that government will ensure that public service workers at all levels are protected as they carry out their duties.
He stated that there is no justification for criminality, adding that what transpired is regrettable and should never be repeated.
Mr. Mbao said President Hakainde Hichilema has made it clear that the nation will be governed by the rule of law as such, the law should take its course.
Ms. Namukoko said she wants the law to take its course.
These were PF thugs hiding in the name of UPND carders. My question is where have they gotten lawyers to stand for them and if all of us UPND are against such vice, then who is paying that lawyer/s and we need to know the name of the Lawyers trying to defend criminals.
Shattered hopes, the chaps expected to eat from mwibala where PF at left.
Where is the fifth one up to now? Police are useless. Someone must be fired for not arresting these criminals urgently thereby allowing one to escape.
Ba HH, a police officer who rescued the situation by engaging in fists fight with those thugs should be praised naimwe.
The messenger also did a good job to protect that loud Namukoko.
Well done U.P.N.D, these uncouth Thugs have been brought to book!
Unfortunately the “P.F new normal” of doing things, will take a while & a lot of political will to fully eradicate, hence respect to H.H & U.P.N.D leaders, for not condoning an ounce of this nonsense.
Sembe nibaja benangu ba Chakolwa before 12th August, he would have kept quiet & even rewarded these Thugs with S.U.V’s, remember “Ama Amelicanz”??
Swift action is what is needed to curb political violence….well done, make an example of them so that others also learn.
This isvwhat zambia what’s and needs……..
Political will to fight caders and corruption……….
Now to those crying of being persecuted for exercising their new found freedom of expression…………
You must be ready substantiate your rantings………
Gone are the days when the former President was called corrupt and he neither denied nor agreed………….
This time round, if HH denies, be Ready with your proof in courts………
4 upnd thugs. Can you be accurate in your reporting f00Iish upnd Lusaka times editor