CAROLINE KALOMBE, Lusaka
THE Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has acquitted Joshua Matongo, a bishop of Joana Mosowe Church, of defilement of two girls who were recruited as sisters.
Bishop Matongo, 54, of Chisamba was charged with defilement, but when the matter came up for judgment before magistrate Betty Malupenga yesterday, Mr Matongo was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Mrs Malupenga noted that while a medical examination proved that the two girls had sex, there was no proof that the offence was committed by Mr Matongo.
She said though the girls testified that it was Mr Matongo who defiled them, this evidence needed to be corroborated with independent evidence.
Mrs Malupenga said the amended law on defilement requires that there should be independent evidence other than that provided by the prosecutrix to prove the offence beyond any reasonable doubt.
She noted that according to the first girl, there were women outside Mr Matongo’s house who were chatting and laughing as she underwent the ordeal.
Mrs Malupenga said according to the child’s evidence, she screamed but none of the women came to her rescue.
Daily Mail