Pastor jailed for 16 years with hard labour hard for indecent assault

The High Court sitting in Mansa has sentenced a pastor of a named church to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour for indecent assault contrary to section 137 Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
High Court Judge Justice Mubanga Kondolo sentenced Samson Kalumba 50 of Chashele Village in Chief Kaputa’s Chiefdom for indecently assaulting a minor who together with another member of the same church had gone to him for prayers.
Particulars of the offence are that on August 27, 20014 in Kaputa District Kalumba did unlawfully and indecently assault a girl below the age of 16.
In mitigation, Kalumba through his lawyer pleaded with court to be lenient as he was the first offender and was remorseful.

In passing judgement, Justice Kondolo said the convict’s behaviour leaves much to be desired as people go to church to seek solace and peace and that the behaviour of the leader leaves one wondering as to where the country is heading to.
Judge Kondolo said there was a serious breach of trust and a message should be sent to all would be offenders that courts need to protect society against such acts and therefore sentenced Kalumba to 16 years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from the date of arrest.