By Musonda Mukuka
One-half of the musical duo Chanda Na Kay appeared before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court on allegations related to the exploitation of minors.
Edward Chanda pleaded not guilty to three counts, including the prohibition of trafficking in children, the prohibition of child grooming, and the prohibition of child solicitation.
According to the indictment, the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2022 and 2024.
Chanda is accused of using electronic communication and social media platforms in interactions involving minors, allegations he denied when the matter came up for plea before the court.
Court proceedings were brief, with no witnesses called during the plea appearance. Edward Chanda is currently out on bail.
The case has drawn attention online due to Chanda’s prominence within Zambia’s music industry. As part of Chanda Na Kay, the artist has built a strong following among young audiences across the country and the region.
Chanda Na Kay, an alternative hip hop group from the Copperbelt known for hits such as Go Low and Dance With You, has dominated local airwaves and awards shows.
The group has broken streaming and chart records and received recognition at the Kwacha Music Awards, the Ngoma Awards, and the African Entertainment Annual Awards.
Fans reacted with shock to the allegations, with many taking to Facebook and X to express disbelief following news of the court appearance. Some users stated that they initially believed the reports were part of a promotional campaign for upcoming music, while others urged the public not to allow the artist’s fame and popularity to overshadow the seriousness of the alleged offences.
The case has since sparked wider conversation online surrounding celebrity culture, accountability, and the influence musicians hold over younger audiences. By press time, neither Chanda nor his management team had released an official statement regarding the matter.
In Zambia, cases involving allegations relating to the exploitation of minors are treated as sensitive matters within the justice system and are handled through established criminal procedure before the courts.
Such matters are guided by laws aimed at the protection of children, with proceedings generally placing emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable witnesses and ensuring strict evidentiary standards.
In this case, the allegations against Edward Chanda will proceed through the normal trial process, with the prosecution required to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defence is expected to challenge the evidence presented before the court.
The matter is expected to return to court on June 1, 2026, when trial proceedings are set to commence. Until then, the accused remains on bail as the case progresses through the judicial process.
Authorities have reiterated that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
End
Picture: Edward Chanda
