THE Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has committed seven men to the High Court for sentencing in a case where a Mozambican woman with albinism was allegedly trafficked and nearly sold for K100 million.

This was after Magistrate Constance Kansankala found six of the accused guilty and convicted them accordingly. The first accused had earlier admitted to the charge and was convicted previously.

In this matter, Patson Tembo, 60, Moses Banda, 25, Jackson Zulu, 44, Andrew Kabali, 37, Emmanuel Mwanza, 29, Richard Moonga, 27, and Daniel Mwanza, 38, were charged with two counts of human trafficking.

In the first count, they were accused of facilitating trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 71(b) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008 of the Laws of Zambia. The charge alleged that on February 8, 2024, in Lusaka, the accused facilitated human trafficking.

In the second count, they were charged with prohibition of trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 3(1) of the same Act. It was alleged that between February 6 and 16, 2024, in Lusaka, the accused unlawfully trafficked Teresa Andreas into Zambia for the purpose of sexual exploitation and receiving payments or benefits.

When the matter came up for judgment on Thursday, Magistrate Kansankala ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“I found that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution has proved the intention and the evidence that A two, A three, A four, A five, A six and A seven conducted themselves in acts of human trafficking and as such the prosecution has proved their case against A two, A three, A four, A five, A six and A seven. Therefore in count one I found A two, A three, A four, A five, A six, A seven guilty of the conduct of facilitating trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 71(b) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act Number 11 of 2008 of the Laws of Zambia. And under count two I find A two, A three, A four, A five, A six and A seven guilty of the offence of prohibition of trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 3(1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act Number 11 of 2008 of the Laws of Zambia. As such, I convict A two, A three, A four, A five, A six and A seven under both count one and count two. This is the judgement of the court. You are informed of your right to appeal within 14 days,” she said.

However, the court reserved sentencing, noting that she had no jurisdiction to impose a sentence since the offence carried a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment.

“I am guided by the provision of section 2(17) of the Criminal Procedure Code Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia. I hereby committee A one, A two, A three, A four, A five, A six and A seven for sentencing and reserve the mitigation which shall be given at the High court,” said Magistrate Kansankala.