By Jones Gadama
The Kasungu First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Senior Chief Chulu, whose real name is Esther Kalasa, and her accomplice Gift Chipanira to a 12-month suspended sentence.
This ruling comes after the two were found guilty of three counts of assaulting a woman, theft, and undressing a woman naked, contrary to sections 254, 278, and 137 of the Penal Code.
The court, presided over by First Grade Magistrate Damiano Banda, heard that Senior Chief Chulu and Gift Chapanira were arrested on January 4, 2023, and were subsequently charged with the three counts.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that linked the two to the crimes, and on March 11, 2025, they were found guilty on all three counts.
However, in a surprising twist, Magistrate Banda took into account strong mitigating factors presented by the defense counsel, which proved that Senior Chief Chulu suffers from cervical cancer, as evidenced by medical reports presented in court.
This led the magistrate to hand down a 12-month suspended sentence to the two convicts.
In an interview with this publication, Lusekero Kisyombe, the lawyer for Senior Chief Chulu from the Legal Aid Bureau, expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
“We are pleased with the outcome, considering the circumstances of the case,” she said.
The case has sparked widespread interest, with many following the developments closely.
The ruling is seen as a victory for justice, and many are relieved that the matter has been brought to a close.
It’s worth noting that Senior Chief Chulu had been in the news previously for parading a woman naked, whom she suspected of having an affair with her husband.
The incident had sparked widespread condemnation, with the Parliamentary Women Caucus condemning the senior chief’s actions.
In conclusion, the Kasungu First Grade Magistrate’s Court has handed down a 12-month suspended sentence to Senior Chief Chulu and Gift Chipanira, bringing an end to a dramatic and closely watched case.
The ruling is a testament to the country’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions.
