The Lusaka Subordinate Court has adjourned a matter involving three foreign nationals facing multiple human trafficking charges to April 27th, 2026, following an appearance for the return of a bench warrant and an explanation by the arresting officer.
One of the accused, Akshay Arora, an Indian national appeared before Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwila in proceedings where the defense raised concerns over delays and their impact on the accused persons’ livelihood.
Defence counsel submitted that one of the accused had been unable to properly conduct business activities for the past six months due to the inconvenience arising from repeated court appearances and holding of his passport by the police.
Lawyers therefore requested that the next hearing be scheduled within 14 days instead of the 30-day adjournment period sought by the State.
However, Chief Resident Magistrate Chibwili granted the State’s application for a one-month adjustment period, ruling that the matter would proceed on April 27, 2026 for mention of trial and the return of the bench warrant relating to accused number three, Akshay Arora.
The court further ordered that the accused persons’ bond be extended.
The other two accused, Mohit Chala and Mabiar Mondal remain at large despite having previously been granted bail, a development forming part of the ongoing proceedings.
Particulars of the offence are that the three businessmen are facing several counts under the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, as amended by Act No. 16 of 2022.
Chala and Mondal are jointly charged with four counts of prohibition of trafficking in persons, allegedly committed between January 1 and July 30, 2025 in Lusaka.
The State alleges the duo intentionally trafficked four victims identified as Asmita Kumal, Sangita Budhathoki, Susmita Karki and Rina Shrastha.
Akshay Arora faces four additional counts of conduct facilitating trafficking in persons, with prosecutors alleging he facilitated the trafficking of the same victims during the same period while acting together with others unknown.
The matter returns to court next month as proceedings move toward trial.
