A 41-year-old businessman of Chipata’s Jere compound has appeared in the Lundazi Magistrates’ Court for assaulting a Breeze FM reporter.

Appearing before resident magistrate Edward Chisanga, Friday, Frank Mwale, a Patriotic Front cadre, is charged with two counts; assault causing actual bodily harm on a journalist and theft contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence in the first count are that on February 12, 2019, Frank Mwale jointly whilst acting together with others unknown assaulted Grace Lungu thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm contrary to section 248 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

In second count, particulars of the offence are that on the material day, Frank Mwale jointly whist acting together with other people unknown did steal money amounting to K400 cash property of Grace Lungu contrary to section 272 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

But before Mwale could take plea, Chisanga found the accused guilty of contempt of court for failing to attend court sessions on two occasions.

And when the court asked the accused why he did not attend court on 10th and 14th May, 2019, he said he was not told that he was supposed to appear before court on the said dates.

Magistrate Chisanga, however, told Mwale that the court would not tolerate his excuse.

Magistrate Chisanga revoked Mwale’s police bond and remanded him in custody.

The matter has since been adjourned to June 3, 2019 for mention.