Farmer in docks for murder

MULENGA MUSONDA writes A 28-YEAR-OLD farmer appeared in the Choma Magistrates Court on allegations of murdering his fellow Farmer. In this matter Gerrard Mwetwa of Choma’s Mbabala area in Chief Mapanza’s Chiefdom is charged with Murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Mweetwa murdered Sunny Simwami. The alleged incident happened on 2nd February 2020 in Choma. Mweetwa himself confirmed to the Court that he was apprehended on 11 May 2020. When he appeared for explanation of the charge before Senior Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo, the accused person understood the charge read to him. This was after the Court explained to him that he was not to take plea, but to simply acknowledge whether he understood the charge or not. Court: Have you understood the charge read out to you? Mweetwa: I understand. Court: Ok, so you will wait for instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s to determine whether this matter is fit for trial. The matter was then adjourned to 10 July 2020 for a mention as the Court awaits instructions from the office of the DPP. Mweetwa was remanded in custody. The Sun