Lusaka shopkeeper accused of sodomising juvenile granted K10,000 bail

A 28-year-old shopkeeper of Barlastone Township in Lusaka, accused of sodomising a male juvenile, has been granted K10,000 bail in his own recognisance by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.

Luckson Chilala denied one count of unnatural offences contrary to Section 155(3) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia when he appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Phiri.

Particulars of the offence are that Chilala, between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, allegedly had carnal knowledge of M.C., a child, against the order of nature.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

During bail application, the defence submitted that the accused had been in custody since January 18, 2026, after efforts to secure a police bond allegedly failed.

The defence then applied for bail pending trial.

But State prosecutor Mukwashi Banda objected to the application, arguing that the accused had not provided sufficient residential details to the court.

Banda told the court that the accused only indicated an unknown house number in Barlastone Township and failed to clearly state the location of his business despite claiming to be a shopkeeper.

The State argued that the lack of clear residential and occupational details suggested possible flight risk concerns.

However, Magistrate Phiri ruled in favour of the defence and granted the accused bail in the sum of K10,000 in his own recognisance.

The court further ordered that Chilala provide two traceable sureties, each bound in the like sum.

The matter was adjourned to a later date for commencement of trial.

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