29 April 2011
A GRADE two pupil of a school in Lusaka yesterday appeared before a Lusaka magistrates’ court and pleaded not guilty to one count of drug trafficking.
The 10-year-old girl, who is being represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Board, denied trafficking in 0.15 grammes of marijuana.
This is in a case in which the juvenile is alleged to have trafficked in psychotropic substance, namely 0.15 grammes marijuana, a herbal product of sativa, Contrary to the Laws of Zambia on April 20, 2011.
“I understand the charge and admit I did not have lawful authority to traffick in the drugs,” she said.
And lawyers from the social welfare department applied for bail, saying the girl’s mother was incarcerated while her relatives were staying in far away places.
They said the accused was a juvenile who would be traumatised if kept in prison for a long time and that she would miss school.
Senior Magistrate Mwaka Mikalile granted the juvenile K500,000 bail in her own recognisance with one guardian in the like sum and in their own recognisance.
The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2011 for commencement of trial.
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