By SYLVESTER MWALE
MORE than 115 drivers were convicted by the Kabwe Magistrate Court last year for causing death by dangerous driving mainly on the Great North Road.
Kabwe High Court Judge Charles Zulu said the court also deal with 86 cases of defilement and 71 murder cases of which 59 were disposed of while others were still pending.
Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the criminal session at the Kabwe High Court yesterday Mr Justice Zulu said the prevalence of causing death by dangerous driving along the Great North Road was a matter of serious concern.
The situation has been dire despite the imposition of custodial sentences by the court where there had been a demonstration of aggravating circumstances.
The High Court Judge noted that the Court was better placed to make motorists conscious that imposition of custodial sentences for traffic offences where it is prescribed was real and a likely possibility to instill a sense of care.
He noted that the number sexual offences had not reduced significantly despite increasing the longevity of imprisonment for those found guilty.
“Perhaps this is as a result of the spirited awareness not to settle these cases ex-curia (outside court) mounted by the Government and civil society organisations.
“The judiciary will not forsake its duty to impose sentences commensurate to the offence. Alongside judicial redress, preventive measures by other stakeholders should also be intensified,” he said.
Mr Justice Zulu also called on the Government to finance the construction the Court of Appeal in Kabwe and the expansion of the Kabwe High Court as well as complete local courts in Kabwe, Chibombo and Kapiri Mposhi.
At the same function, Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga the burning of Kabwe’s Katondo Local Court had forced many people to travel long distance to seek judicial services.
In a speech read for him acting Permanent Secretary Felix Mang’wato, Mr Mushanga however, commended the Judiciary for providing quality services amid various challenges.
The Government managed to purchase and rehabilitate a new office for the National Prosecution office in Kabwe as well as supported other players in the justice sector such as police and legal aid board.