A PROMINENT Lusaka based traditional healer Chilufya Chileya popularly known as Kalonga Kanono has again appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on charges of human trafficking.
Kanono, 52, clad in all white and looking sheepish in the dock when he stood before resident magistrate, Amy Masoja, has denied the allegation.
The juju man who is also a businessman of Makeni Villa is jointly charged with a 21 year old girl, Natasha Chileshe and Ebba Chileshe, 32, a businessman, both from Makeni in Lusaka.
He was previously accused of a similar offence but went scot-free.
But this time around, he will not escape the walls of prison if found guilty.
All the three accused persons are charged with child trafficking contrary to contrary to section 3A (1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking (Amendment) Act No. 16 of 2022 of the Laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that the accused only targets young girls between the ages 13 and 16.
He is accused of exploiting their vulnerability by making promises of love, protection, and financial support.
Further allegations claim that he uses his influence and perceived spiritual power to gain the trust of these minors, offering them attention and affection they might lack elsewhere.
On June 2, 2024 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, the three musketeers reportedly trafficked SRW, a child aged 15, within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of engaging in sexual exploitation.
It is reported that the survivor’s cousins, Natasha and Ebba lured the girl under false pretenses of money and a phone.
Unknown to her, the trusted cousin was nothing but a 21st century female version of Judas Iscariot, ready to sell her over a few coins.
Her cousin, then lured her into the hands of her defiler who was driving a black vehicle, over a promise of a lot of money and an expensive phone.
“When the survivor saw the man she resisted to enter the car looking at his age, but the cousin pushed her in, while the suspect was also pulling her inside and later, he drove her to a lodge in Makeni, near Cosmopolitan Mall, along Kafue Road,” stated police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
It was revealed that Kanono, undressed in front of the girl and defiled her.
After he finished with the abominable act, the juju man drove back to where he had picked the little girl.
Following the incident, the relatives found out about what transpired, they reported the matter to the police.
The court has since adjourned the matter to August 19, 2025 for commencement.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba July 26, 2025
