Chief Kazembe of the Chewa people in Lundazi has appeared in court for mention, on one count of defilement of a child, under the age of 16 years.

The traditional leader, whose birth names are Vincent Banda, aged 45, appeared before Magistrate Joseph Kapila today.

Chief Kazembe was arrested on March 29, 2019, after being suspected to have defiled a minor.

The traditional leader is alleged between October 1 and October 31, 2018, had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl, under the age of 16 years.

The matter has been adjourned to April 29, 2019, for plea and Chief Kazembe’s bond has been extended.

Meanwhile, the school headteacher, who is accused of defiling his Grade 7 pupil in Mumbwa, Central province, has pleaded not guilty in the magistrate court.

Appearing before Mumbwa resident magistrate, Chizawu Chizyuka, was Foster Chilinga, 51, a headteacher of Muleke Primary School.

Chilinga is charged with one count of defilement of a girl, under the age of 16 years.

Chilinga is alleged on March 27, 2019, to have had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl, aged 14.

The matter has been adjourned to May 6, 2019, and the court has granted the accused bail of 5-thousand kwacha, in his own recognisant, with 2 working sureties who are government employees.