The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has found a 62-year-old retired teacher of Chitukuko Primary School, with a case to answer in a matter where he is accused of sexually abusing two girls.

In this matter, Cherry Munyinya of Mtendere Township, is charged with defilement of a child and indecent assault on a female.

Particulars of the offence in the first count allege that between March 1 and June 29, 2018 in Lusaka, Munyinya had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 10-year-old girl.

And in count two, it is alleged that on the same day, Munyinya unlawfully and indecently assaulted a 9-year-old girl.

Previously, two grade three pupils had testified that Munyinya tied their mouths and had carnal knowledge of them.

The girls further told the court that Munyinya threatened them that they would die in their sleep if they told anyone.

And the grandmother of the 9-year-old victim told court that according to her granddaughter, Munyinya gave her K2 to buy popcorns and told her to go to his place where he defiled her.

Meanwhile, a police officer also told court that during his investigations, he discovered that Munyinya sexually abused the victims.

“Upon interviewing the girls, it was revealed that between March and June 2018, the victims used to go to Munyinya’s premises, within the premises of Chitukuko school where he would sexually abuse them one after another and in return Munyinya would give them money and crayons,” Boas Monga, of Woodlands police station under victim support unit had testified.

He said after interviewing the accused, who was already in custody, he made up his mind to charge and arrest Munyinya for the subject offences as he did not give a satisfactory answer.

Monga said under warn and caution statement, Munyinya gave a free and voluntary statement denying the charge and was later released on police bond.

And when the matter came up for ruling on case or no case to answer, Tuesday, magistrate Faides Hamaundu noted that the State had established a prima facie case against Munyinya.

Muniyinya could, however, not proceed with his defence after he informed the court that he had a bereavement.

Magistrate Hamaundu then adjourned the matter to September 16, 2019 for commencement of defence.