The Kasama High Court has placed a 22-year-old woman of Chief Chipalo’s chiefdom in Luwingu District on her defense, after the State established a prima facie case, in a matter where she stands accused of murdering her 42-year-old boyfriend.
This is in a case in which Taonga Kaonga is charged with one count of murder contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Facts before the court are that on June 3rd, 2024, Kaonga while at a named lodge in Luwingu, allegedly did murder Chambi Simukonda.
This was after the couple allegedly got into a violent altercation on the day of the incident.
When the matter came up for trial before Judge Mathew Zulu, Chief Inspector Elliot Besa, 47, testified that on June 4, 2024, while on duty, he received a report of murder from Christopher Mulenga, 45, around midnight.
Inspector Besa told the court that upon inspecting Simukonda’s body, he observed two deep cuts on the left hand.
Inspector Besa testified that at the crime scene, police recovered a broken bottle with blood stains believed to have been used in the fight.
He added that subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of Kaonga.
The officer further stated that Kaonga was issued with a warning and caution statement, which she responded to by denying the charge.
Meanwhile, Kaonga through her defense team during cross-examination claimed that Simukonda had attempted to rape her, prompting her to act in self-defense.
Although she complained of body pains and injuries to her private parts, the medical report concluded that her claims were inconsistent with the physical findings, therefore contradicting her claims.
Chief Inspector Besa was the third and final prosecution witness, marking the close of the State’s case.
After reviewing the evidence, Judge Mathew Zulu ruled that the State had established a prima facie case, warranting Kaonga to be placed on her defense.
Kaonga, is being represented by Legal Aid Board counsel and is expected to give sworn testimony and call two witnesses in her defense.
The matter has since been adjourned to Friday, November 14, 2025, for the defense hearing.
