The National Prosecution Authority (NPA)’s Mongu office has secured the conviction of a predatory child sexual abuser, Evans Mulyata Milandile.
The self-styled traditional healer was found guilty of defiling a 15-year-old girl, an offence contrary to Section 138 (1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
CASE OVERVIEW
The court established that sometime in April 2025, the elder sister of the 15-year-old victim approached the accused seeking treatment for her sister’s recurrent fainting spells at school. Milandile, presenting himself as a healer, arranged to meet the family at their residence.
Gaining entry into the family home, he performed a series of rituals. He instructed the victim to undress completely, tattooed her body, and administered herbal medicine, all in the presence of her father and sister, lending an air of legitimacy to his actions. He further instructed the family to procure a black chicken for subsequent rituals, deepening their investment in his fraudulent treatment.
The situation escalated on 17th April, 2025, at approximately 10:00 hours. Milandile contacted the victim directly by phone, arranging a meeting in a bush area near Kasima market in Western Province. He manipulatively cautioned her that the source of her affliction was a family member, instructing her to keep their meeting secret.
The victim complied. Upon her arrival at the market, Milandile collected her and led her into a secluded bush under the guise of administering remaining treatments. He instructed her to step only in his footprints as they walked. He then provided her with a bottle labelled “Yes Drink,” which he fraudulently claimed was harmless. In reality, it contained a mixture of the soft drink and potent local beer (Kachasu).
After the victim consumed the spiked beverage, Milandile revealed his true intent, asserting that for the medicine to work effectively, he must have carnal knowledge of her. When the terrified victim refused and attempted to flee, he pursued her, dragged her back, forcibly undressed her, and had sexual inter course with her. To ensure her silence, he promised to marry her and threatened that disclosing the assault would nullify the treatment.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Before the Honourable Mr. Justice Phiri sitting at the Mongu Subordinate Court, the accused person pleaded not guilty, necessitating a full trial. The prosecution case, led by Senior Public Prosecutor Mrs. Grace Mulafulafu, was presented through five witnesses who provided clear and compelling testimony against the accused.
Faced with the overwhelming evidence presented by the state, the accused was put on his defence. He elected to exercise his right to remain silent, offering no testimony or evidence to counter the prosecution’s case.
JUDGMENT OF THE COURT
On 29th August, 2025, the court delivered its judgment, finding Evans Mulyata Milandile guilty of the offence of Defilement and committed the accused to the High Court for sentencing.