TWO domestic workers who abducted their employer’s children have pleaded guilty to two counts of abduction and another count of motor vehicle theft.

In this matter, Hellen Banda, 27 and Chilimuna Kambwili, 39, are charged with two counts of abduction of girls contrary to section 136 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that Banda and Kambwili on September 13, 2021 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together, unlawfully took two unmarried girls under the age of 16 out of care and protection of their parent Kumar Patel having lawful care, against her will.

In the third count, the two are charged with theft of motor vehicle contrary to section 281(a) of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

When the matter came up for plea before chief resident magistrate Dominic Makaliche, Friday, the duo pleaded guilty to the two counts of abduction.

Banda told the court that she did take the children who were not her relatives but only worked for their parents.

When asked where she took the children, Banda struggled to give an answer but noted that she took them to Kabanana where she stayed.

She also told the court that she decided to take the children after she was fired for being absent from work.

Kambwili also admitted taking the children and stated that the parents were not paying him his salary which led him to instead take the children despite knowing that it was an offence.

He further stated that when he was late for work his money was being deducted, even if he was five minutes late.

On the theft of motor vehicle charge, the duo admitted to stealing a Toyota Allion valued at K100,000, the property of Kumar Patel.

Banda however told the court that they just got the car to use when going home, while Kambwili admitted taking the car to Kabanana.

The matter was adjourned and is scheduled to come up for facts and sentencing on September 28, 2021.