Outspoken critic, Tayali, pays K20,000 fine for assaulting a female police officer

Outspoken party leader, Chilufya Tayali, has been sentenced to a fine of K20,000 or in default nine months imprisonment by Lusaka Magistrates, Idah Phiri, following his conviction for assualt on a police officer.

Economic and Progress Party (EPP) president, Tayali, 48, was convicted on a single count of assault on a police officer contrary to section 250(b) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Tayali is said to have thrown a flask bottle at 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.

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.

It was said that Tayali got annoyed, saying that his wife could not poison him. He thereafter got the food, threw it on the floor and later picked a flask bottle and hit the female officer on the face.

She reportedly sustained a swollen and painful face.

Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Magistrate Phiri found Tayali guilty of the offence and convicted him accordingly.

In mitigation, Tayali through his lawyers begged the court to exercise leniency as he had a family to look after and would suffer if he was sent to jail.

Magistrate Phiri said the accused had an option to control his anger, thus, it was reckless of him to assault the officer.

“I have considered the fact that he is a first offender and that he is entitled to leniency. I must however state that although it is a misdemeanor, it is a serious case.

“It follows that the perpetrators must be punished to deter would be offenders,” she said.

The Magistrate sentenced the opposition leader to pay a fine of K20,000 or a sentence of nine months imprisonment if not paid the same day.

Tayali settled the K20,000 fine and proceeded to his home.

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