Journalists barred from covering musician, Chanda’s child trafficking trial

Journalists were on Monday locked out of the trial of musician Edward Chanda after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court ruled that proceedings in the child trafficking case would be heard in private to protect the identity of the alleged victim. The decision means the media will not be allowed to cover the trial of the Chanda Na Kay duo member, who is facing three charges related to child trafficking and cyber offences. The application to exclude the media was made by the State at the start of proceedings before Magistrate Nthandose Chabala.

Prosecutors argued that the case involved a child and that public reporting of evidence could compromise the minor’s privacy and welfare. The State cited provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Children’s Act, submitting that the law requires courts to prioritise the protection of children and safeguard their identities. Defence lawyer Timothy Nsapato did not oppose the application but requested that the accused be allowed to have members of his support system present in court.

In her ruling, Magistrate Chabala agreed with the State, stating that the protection of children remains of paramount importance and that open court proceedings could threaten a child’s right to privacy. She ordered that the matter be conducted in camera. Journalists were subsequently directed to leave the courtroom and the doors were closed to the public.

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The court, however, allowed Chanda to have four members of his support system present during the proceedings. He is accused of trafficking a child identified as WK for purposes of sexual exploitation on August 3, 2025, in Lusaka. He also faces charges of child grooming and child solicitation under the Cyber Crimes Act, with the State alleging that he used a computer system to facilitate and encourage sexual conduct and to arrange a meeting with the child. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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