EIGHT men, including bus drivers, have pleaded not guilty to assaulting two people during a fierce clash between bus drivers and suspected criminals at a bus station.

The incident happened at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) bus station some two weeks ago, leaving a victim with serious injuries.

The suspects are; Raphael Mwanza, a taxi driver of New Kasama, Special Moonga, 36, a Barman of Bauleni Township and Odrisco Malambo, a bus driver of Mtendere Township.

Victor Kabali, 35, of Bauleni Township,Leonard Chikwaka, 32, a bus driver, of Mtendere, Gilbert Phiri, 40, a bus driver of Barlastone area and Ceasar Mweemba, 42, a Bricklayer of Bauleni.

Allegations are that on January 9 this year, all the eight jointly assaulted Borniface Kateule and occasioned him actual bodily harm.

In count two are that on January 14, 2026, Malambo and Mweemba jointly assaulted Charles Bweupe and occasioned him actual bodily harm.

The eight men appeared before Lusaka magistrate Webster Milumbe and pleaded not guilty before their lawyers applied for bail pending trial.

It was granted in the sum of K20, 000 each, in their own recognisance.

“They have been in custody since January 9, 2026 at Central police station. They are of fixed abode. They are not a flight risk. We undertake to comply with any conditions this court will give should the bail he granted,” a lawyer submitted.

The prosecution team did not object to the bail application- as long as accused abide by conditions the court will set.

The court granted K20, 000, plus two working sureties of Lusaka who will be bound to the same amount, in their own recognizance.

“Until you meet bail conditions, you remain in custody,” the magistrate said before adjourning the case to February 2, 2026 for trial.

(Mwebantu, Monday, 26th January, 2026)