THE murder suspect who accused a police officer at Chilanga Police Post of raping her while in handcuffs has had her request of appearing before the court granted.
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Meya Musumba complained of being kept in custody for a long time without appearing before Court and sought for habeas corpus last week in the Lusaka High court so that she can be taken to court soonest.
Police yesterday brought her to the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, and she appeared before magistrate Keegan Litya for explanation of the charge.
Musumba is jointly charged with Florence Banda, facing one count of murder.
It is alleged that on August 23, 2024 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, the duo murdered Francisco Miti.
When the matter came up for explanation of the charge, the State informed the court that the certificate of committal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was ready.
And magistrate Litya committed the two accused persons to the High Court for summary trial.
Earlier, Musumba alleged before the Lusaka High Court that one male officer raped her while handcuffed.
She said the alleged rape occurred in the bush when she was being transported from Chilanga Police Station to Musamba for questioning.
Musumba also asked the court for an order directing the Lusaka Division Commissioner of Police to constitute an identification parade for her to identify a male police officer who raped her inorder for justice to prevail.
She stated that she was traumatised over the incident.
Musumba also sought the indulgence of court for leave to issue a writ of habeas corpus directing the Lusaka division commissioner of police to show cause why she should not immediately be brought to court and determine whether such detention is legal.
She believed that any person who is arrested or detained and who is not released should be brought to court without undue delay.
Miti said the actions by the police to detain her for more than 24 hours was unlawful as she had not been charged.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba May 20, 2025
