THE Lusaka High Court has found a couple of Chalala Rockfield area, Lusaka with a case to answer for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl who was working as a maid at their house.
The accused, Smart Mumba, 40, and his 30-year-old spouse Marjory Lulembo, 30, now have to exonerate themselves on allegations that the duo murdered Janet Chola.
Yesterday, Lusaka High Court Judge Vincent Siloka found that a prema facie case had been established against the accused persons. 
“The prosecution has adduced enough evidence to warrant the accused to be found with a case to answer. The accused are found with a case to answer and are put on their defense,” Judge Siloka said.
Accusations are that on August 30, 2023, around 09:00 hours, the duo allegedly killed the victim, who was later taken to the hospital as a Broad in Dead case.
The court heard from the victim’s mother her daughter complained of being beaten a day before she died.
In her testimony, Constance Mwelwa of Mansa narrated that her daughter Janet said in a phone conversation, that she had been beaten, before the phone was grabbed from her by Lulembo.
Ms Mwelwa narrated that Lulembo later asked her to send transport money for the victim so that she travels back to Mansa because of the bad behaviour.
“She told me “send money for transport for your daughter if you do not want to receive a body],” the peasant farmer said.
She aid the following day, she received a phone call that Janet had died.
The Judge also heard that the couple had complained to the victim’s guardians that the minor was eating their childrens’ porridge and behaving badly.
After being found with a case to answer, the defence sad the duo will give evidence on oath and will call three witnesses but the defence needed time to prepare witnesses.
The judge warned that he does not want any more adjournments in the case when it resumes to the next date.
