The Chingola Magistrates Court has granted bail to nine juveniles among 34 suspects charged with terrorism, arson, and riotous behavior in connection with the November 8th incident at Chiwempala Market.
Presiding Magistrate Maybin Kapaya, who sat at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility, disagreed with the State’s position that the juveniles should not be granted bail because one of the offences is non-bailable. The prosecution had argued that the charges are of public interest and that granting bail would endanger both the juveniles and society.
Magistrate Kapaya, however, ruled that the Children Code Act empowers him to grant bail to juveniles regardless of the offence. The court ordered that each suspect provide one working surety from within Chingola and a guardian. They were further informed that a penalty of 10,000 Kwacha each would apply if bail conditions are breached.
The matter has been adjourned to January 2, 2026, for mention, as the prosecution awaits instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to refer some offences to the High Court for trial.
-ZNBC