Man denies attempted rape of stepmother, blames alcohol, codeine

A 22-year-old man accused of attempting to rape his stepmother on Christmas Day has denied the charge, claiming he was intoxicated with alcohol and codeine at the time of the alleged incident.

The accused, an employee of a tobacco company, gave his defence before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted being under the influence but insisted he did not attempt to sexually assault the woman.

He told the court that he had been drinking with friends after attending an event at Nelson Mandela School in Matero.

“I don’t know what was added to the drink, but after we boarded a bus and reached Simbeye area, my head started spinning. I decided to go home and sleep. When I arrived, I began breaking things in the house,” he said.

He explained that family members and neighbours eventually took him to George Police Station. “When I woke up, I was surprised to learn I had been charged in connection with this matter,” he said.

During cross-examination, Senior Public Prosecutor Joe Phiri asked the accused to confirm whether the complainant was his stepmother.

He affirmed this but contested her earlier testimony, in which she claimed to be his biological mother.

He denied following her to the bedroom, exposing himself, or making any sexual advances, insisting, “I think she just doesn’t like me.”

The court heard from the prosecution that on December 25, 2024, the accused allegedly sat on the victim’s lap before following her into the bedroom.

He is said to have disrobed and attempted to rape her, but she screamed for help and was rescued by a neighbour who found him on top of her.

The accused denied all allegations of sexual assault and said the accusations were false.

Judgment has been set for June 4.

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