Court finds woman, nutritionist others with case to answer for allegedly stealing a baby

Lusaka Magistrate, Chrispin Hampungani, has found Precious Nkunika, the judiciary stores officer accused of stealing a baby at University Teaching Hospital (UTH), plus four others, with a case to answer.

The five have been put on defence but Nkunika has opted to remain silent.

This is in a matter, where Nkunika, 28, is jointly charged with her mother, Grace Siska, Emily Hall, Rebbecca Mkandaire, a maid at UTH, and Nelly Kasolo, a nutrition administrator at UTH D-block.

In this matter, it was alleged that the accused on May 7, 2022, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, with intent to deprive, did steal an unnamed child, under sixteen months of age.

This was from the infant’s mother, Elina Lungu, who was by then admitted to the UTH Intensive Care Unit, immediately, after giving birth. Nkunika had earlier given birth, but her child died.

Delivering ruling on the case, Magistrate Hampungani said a prima facie case had been established against the accused.

“I am satisfied that the State has made a prima facie case. I find the four with the case to answer in count one and one with a case to answer in count two. The offence was indeed committed. I put them on their defence to give the side of story as they have their rights,” he said.

The matter was adjourned to December 11, 2023, for mention and January 10, 2024 for commencement of defence.

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