A LUSAKA church deacon who used his position of trust to sexually abuse young girls has been found guilty of defiling seven children, facing a potential 105-year prison sentence.
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Richard Mwanza, 45, was convicted on all seven counts of defilement after he was found to have repeatedly preyed on girls between the ages of nine and 15 in Kabanana Township.
Mwanza, who ran several shops near a local school, would close his doors under the pretense of prayer, luring children inside where he would sexually assault them.
Court evidence revealed that between January and November 2023, he would make the children sit on his lap behind his shop counter before abusing them.
Some of the victims were later diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.
One of the girls testified to being abused at least eight times.
To ensure their silence, Mwanza threatened the victims with witchcraft, warning that harm would come to them if they spoke out.
All seven children pointed to Mwanza as their attacker.
During the trial, Lusaka Magistrate Chrispin Hampungani rejected Mwanza’s defense that his diabetes made him incapable of sexual activity and dismissed claims that the crimes could not have occurred in a busy location.
The magistrate noted that the shop was lockable and the abuse often took place during quiet hours, such as on weekends.
In delivering the judgment, Magistrate Hampungani condemned Mwanza’s actions, stating he had betrayed the innocence of children who trusted him as a church leader.
“You preyed on these children who trusted you as their deacon,” Magistrate Hampungani said.
He ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, establishing that all the victims were minors and the acts were unlawful.
Mwanza was committed to the High Court for sentencing.
Under Zambian law, each count of defilement carries a minimum sentence of 15 years, meaning Mwanza could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Kalemba September 11, 2025
