TEACHER FOUND GUILTY OF DEFILING PUPIL

Mubu Sitali was on Friday, the 9th of May, 2025 found guilty of the offence of Defilement contrary to section 138(1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The 31 year old primary school teacher of a named school in Limilunga District of the Western Province was on the material day the 23rd of October 2024, preparing for Independence day celebrations with his pupils. At about 23.00hours he sent one of his pupils, a 13 year old girl to his house instructing her to take his groceries.
The said house was very close to the school and the child victim quickly got there. Unbeknownst to her, the convict followed her. On her way back to the classroom, the convict waylaid her and pulled her behind the toilets and committed the heinous act.
The matter was prosecuted before Honourable Simwatachela, where the teacher pleaded not guilty. The State through Public Prosecutor Angela Mulenga lead evidence and called six prosecution witnesses. At the close of the State’s case Mubu Sitali was put on his defence where he continued denying the charge.
At the close of his defence, the Court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and thus convicted him on the charge of Defilement

In its judgment, the court emphasised that teachers have a duty to protect their pupils and uphold teaching ethics. Parents trust schools to provide a safe environment, and teachers play a vital role in guiding children’s intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.

The Court further stated that, a school is not a game reserve or game park where teachers become predators and pupils’ prey for sexual satisfaction. Teachers such as the convict have no place in the teaching fraternity, the Court stated that Mubu Sitali did not only steal the innocence of the child but also her education.With the rise in child sexual abuse cases, the courts will not hesitate to protect innocent children.

The convict has since been committed to the High Court for sentencing.