Court fines members of Gulewamkulu

The Kasungu First Grade Magistrate’s Court has ordered seven members of the Gule Wamkulu cult from Chisazima Village to pay a fine of K10 000 and K5 000 each or in default serve 15 months imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for the offences of indecent assault and causing bodily harm.

The court heard that the seven, on August 16 this year, went to Modern Maona’s house where they allegedly demanded cash. However, Maona refused to give them the money.

The seven, the court was told, returned to the house later and took Maona to their camp (dambwe) where they stripped her naked and assaulted her.

Kasungu Police Station spokesperson Edwin Kaunda said Maona reported the issue to police.

He said police investigations led to the arrest of the seven.

The seven appeared before Kasungu First Grade Magistrate’s Court where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During hearing of the matter, four witnesses testified against them.

Magistrate Damiano Banda found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly.

The court has also ordered that the seven members pay K50 000 as compensation to the victim.