LUSAKA Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya has placed a 40-year-old Lusaka woman who allegedly sexually abused a nine-year-old boy on defence after finding her with a case to answer.

Martha Sampa is facing one count of defilement of a child under the age of 16.

It is alleged that between November and December 2022, Sampa unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the boy below the age of 16.

When the matter came up for ruling on case or no case to answer, Magistrate Mwenya ruled that a prima facie case had been established against the accused.

“The state has proved their case, a prima facie case has been established and I accordingly place the accused person on her defence,” said Magistrate Mwenya.

The matter comes up on October 1, 2023 for commencement of defence.

Allegations in the matter are that the victim was sent to buy some cooking oil within Chibolya Township when she met Sampa.

Sampa allegedly introduced herself to the child as Anna before asking him to accompany her to her house, within the township.

It is alleged that the woman promised to give the boy K10 before taking him into her house where she undressed him and also removed her clothes before sexually abusing him.

Further allegations are that Sampa gave the victim K10 and asked him not to tell anyone about the incident or else she would beat him.