Party leader, Tayali, to know fate January 30 in the case of alleged assault against police woman

The Lusaka Magistrates’ court has deferred the judgment date to January 30 , 2024 in a matter where an opposition party leader, Chilufya Tayali, is charged with assualting a police officer.

The judgment which was scheduled for January 17, 2024, could not be delivered because the presiding Magistrate, Irene Phiri, was reported to be unwell.

In this case, Economic and Progress Party (EPP) president, Tayali, 48, pleaded not guilty to one count of assault on a police officer contrary to section 250(b) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that Tayali on October, 1, 2022 assaulted number 51391 Woman Constable, Melody Malama, a police officer employed in the Zambia Police Service during the execution of her duties at Chilenje police station.

It was alleged that Tayali hit the officer in the face with a kettle at Chilenje police station whilst in custody.

Tayali’s wife, Tsega, had reportedly brought food for her husband in custody and was requested by the officer to taste it as a procedure when someone brings food for suspects in custody.

It was said that Tayali got annoyed and stated that his wife could not poison him, he thereafter got the food, threw it on the floor and later picked a kettle and hit the female officer on the face. She reportedly sustained a swollen and painful face.

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