Prison warder rapes inmate

A 42-year-old prison warder at Samfya prison in Samfya district in Luapula province has appeared in the magistrate’s court for trial in a matter in which he is charged with rape.

Before magistrate Timothy Daka was Justine Musongo of Prison Compound in Samfya District.

Mr Musongo is alleged to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of Ruth Phiri, an inmate at Samfya Prison.

Particulars of the offence are that Mr Musongo on January 26, 2014 had carnal knowledge of Ms Phiri without her consent.

Mr Musongo has since been charged with rape contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

In her testimony, Phiri gave a statement which was contrary to the earlier one and has since been declared a hostile witness.

Prosecutor in the matter, Sinyinda Bangweta, said in this case the law requires that a hostile witness be punished.

The matter has since been adjourned to an unknown date.