The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has acquitted Komboni Radio Director Lesa Kasoma of assaulting a police officer, noting that police were over enthusiastic in discharging their duties.
Lesa was accused of assaulting constable Simon Chisanga when she allegedly bit him on the arm last year when she went to have her radio station re-opened after the Independent Broadcasting Authority lifted the suspension on its license.
When the matter came up for judgment today, magistrate Felix Kaoma ruled that Lesa acted in self defense against the police officers.
He said it was hard for him to accept Chisanga’s claim that she bit him when he was apprehending her.
Magistrate Kaoma further ruled that Lesa had every right to access her premises and did not need permission from police.
On October 5, 2016, about five police officers brutally beat up Lesa when they blocked her from accessing Komboni Radio premises despite the IBA lifting its broadcasting license.
Lesa suffered a black eye and body pains and she as admitted at the University Teaching Hospital for a day but police arrested and charged her with assault.
However, Vice-President Inonge Wina was forced to render an apology to Lesa in Parliament following public outcry.