Convicted abductors of 13 women seek forgiveness from victims, judge to pronounce sentence June, 29

The two men who pleaded guilty to abduction and sexual exploitation of 13 women have apologised to their victims’, saying they are sorry and ashamed of their actions.

James Bwalya and Matthews Sikaonga, when asked to address the court, asked for forgiveness saying they regretted their inhumane conduct.

This was during sentence hearing held in camera before Judge Charles Kafunda, on Thursday.

Bwalya and Sikaonga who readily pleaded guilty and were convicted, faced 54 counts of abduction, aggravated assult with intent to steal, rape and assualt.

The convicts committed the offences between March and October, 2022, by luring innocent women using various tricks and kept them in a house in Chalala, Lusaka.

The victims who included a pregnant woman would be repeatedly raped by the duo, beaten using an iron bar, fists and kicks.

They were subjected to poòr nutrition, denied access to a toilet and made to bath cold water which contained traditional medicine, with the belief to stop the police or their relatives from locating them .

The 13 women were fortunately rescued on October 3,2022 by youths who heard their calls for help.

In mitigation through their lawyer, Osborne Ngoma, asked for mercy from the court as they were first time offenders who immediately admitted to the counts.

The two said asked for forgiveness from the victims and the nation.

Bwalya and Sikaonga begged the court not to impose a harsh sentence as they were remorseful and still young with the potential for reformation.

Judge Kafunda adjourned the matter to June 29,2023 ,for sentencing.

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