3 murder suspects to the high court

THE Samfya Magistrate Court has committed three murder suspects to the high court for trial. In accordance with section 217 of criminal procedure code cap 88 of the laws of Zambia, the magistrate court has no jurisdiction over criminal or capital offences such as murder. The three suspects who have been committed to the high court include two men and a juvenile. Before Magistrate Fabian Likulunga were Vinicent Bwalya 43, Charles Chalwe 21 and a 13-year old boy, all of Twenivillage in Chief Kalasamukoso’s chiefdom in Samfya District in Luapula Province. This was in a matter in which the three appeared before the magistrate court for explanation of the charge of murder contrary to section 200 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence are that Bwalya, Chalwe, and the 13-year old boy, on 15th December, 2019 at Samfya District jointly and whilst acting together allegedly murdered Lubenshi Mwewa. The trio were arrested on 20 December, 2019 and taken to Samfya Police Station where Nasilele Lubasi a State Advocate, certified the case as a proper case for trial by the High Court. After explaining the charge to the accused persons, Magistrate Likulunga said the case was beyond his jurisdiction as such he committed the case to the high court in Mansa under section 217 of criminal procedure code cap 88 of the laws of Zambia. – ZANIS The Sun