The Chisamba Magistrate Court has set October 19, 2026, for the defence hearing of two men accused of trafficking in cannabis and methamphetamine after finding them with a case to answer.
Magistrate Litungi Litungi placed 24-year-old Teddy Sakala and 23-year-old Lawrence Zulu, both of Ten Miles area in Chisamba, on their defence after ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring them to answer to the charges.
The two, who are currently remanded in custody, are jointly facing two counts of trafficking in psychotropic substances, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
In the first count, they are accused of trafficking in 11.1 grams of cannabis, while the second count involves 4.76 grams of methamphetamine.
The court heard that the alleged offences occurred on September 8, 2026, when the duo allegedly trafficked in the substances without lawful authority.
Two prosecution witnesses testified and identified the accused in court, while the drugs were presented as exhibits.
The court further heard that the substances were recovered from the accused persons’ residence, concealed in a small box.
In his ruling, Magistrate Litungi said the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require the two accused to defend themselves in line with Section 207(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia.
“After hearing from the witnesses’ testimonies, I concur with Section 207(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia, and place you on your defence,” Magistrate Litungi said.
The magistrate subsequently explained the accused persons’ rights before adjourning the matter to October 19, 2026 for defence hearing.
He also directed Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers to take the exhibits into safe custody.
Earlier, when the matter came up for plea on September 22, the two initially pleaded guilty to the first count and not guilty to the second count.
However, after the facts were presented in court on September 28, they denied all the charges, prompting the court to enter amended pleas of not guilty on both counts.
The two are expected to present their defence on Monday, October 19, 2026.
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