By SYLVIA
MWEETWA-
A LUANSHYA resident who axed to death a Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officer and injured another has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Kabwe High Court in Charge Mwiinde Siavuwapa said the attack on the two officers was brutal considering that the officers were just carrying out their duties.
Francis Kunda, 39, murdered Esnart Pundi while in the second count he was facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to maim and disfigure Stanley Ngandwe.
On September 14, 2010, Kunda attacked the two who were on operation in Kapiri Mposhi District. One officer died and Kunda was only arrested after two years.
During the trial, the State called eight witnesses among them the survivor Mr Ngandwe.
The survivor testified that on the fateful day, he was in a group of other officers including the deceased who had gone to Popoma’s farm in search of game after receiving a tip from the public.
He testified that during a search, his group found 11 bundles of game meat and that it was during the time when the accused picked an axe and struck the deceased on her neck before turning on him.
Mr Justice Siavuwapa found the accused guilty and convicted him.
The judge said his actions were uncalled for considering the increased cases of poaching.
