Kasungu Senior Resident magistrate, Biar Kamanga, has granted bail to 15 game rangers and forestry guards accused of assaulting civilians in Chimaliro Forest reserve.
The 15 are answering a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The suspects were arrested recently following a video clip which showed them instructing a civilian woman to whip another hard after they were allegedly caught stealing firewood in the protected reserve.
Magistrate Kamanga has adjourned the matter to 22 October for hearing and when state is expected to parade m seven witnesses.
