By DELPHINE ZULU? –
A GERMAN, who was charged with sexually abusing a juvenile, has been acquitted by the Lusaka magistrate’s court due to uncorroborated evidence.
Principal magistrate Kenneth Mulife ordered that Ronney Jander, 37, a director at an orphanage in Lusaka, be set at liberty on grounds that there was no direct evidence linking him to the charges.
Mr Jander was facing one count of indecent assault on a female and if found guilty, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
It was alleged that Mr Jander indecently assaulted a named girl at his orphanage by fondling her on December 24, last year.
In his judgment yesterday, Mr Mulife said the accused lied that she was sexually assaulted because she failed to prove or convince the court on the allegations presented.
“The complainant lied that she was sexually assaulted, it is highly doubtful to believe her testimony and making it unsafe to send him to prison, I, therefore, acquit him and order that he be set at liberty,” Mr Mulife said.
Earlier, Mr Jander’s lawyer, Paul Katupisha submitted that the accusations were false implications aimed at concealing other directors’ complaints raised against him and to settle their?misunderstandings.
In an interview outside court, Mr Jander said the Judiciary was objective.
