By KASONDE KASONDE –

KABWE High Court Judge Eddie Sikazwe has sentenced five men to death by hanging after they were found guilty of murder and aggravated robbery charges.

Mr Justice Sikazwe said he found the five guilty of the charge of murder and aggravated robbery respectively and convicted them accordingly as the evidence before the court showed that there was no extenuating circumstances to allow the court to pass any other sentence.

Mr Justice Sikazwe said it was therefore the sentence of the court that the five shall be hanged by the neck until they are pronounced dead.

Particulars of the offence are that Kelvin Musopelo, 35, a farmer in Chief Chitanda’s area in Chibombo District on February 18, 2012 did murder Brilliant Muyuwa.

In another matter, Mr Justice Sikazwe sentenced to death Musonda Chitashi for the murder of Justina Njovu in Kabwe District on April 26, 2011.

And Mr Justice Sikazwe has sentenced Peaceful Zyumba and Panwell Shambosha, both of Chief Shakumbila’s area in Mumbwa District, to death by hanging for the murder of Joseph Shilala and has acquitted their co-accused Semi Beeni due to insufficient evidence.

Particulars of the offence are that on October 3, 2011 in Mumbwa District whilst jointly and acting together, the duo killed Joseph Shilala of the same area.

And in the other case Mr Justice Sikazwe has sentenced Crispin Nsokolo to death by hanging for aggravated robbery.

Particulars of the offence are that Crispin Nsokolo on November 17, 2010 in Mkushi District while armed with a fire-arm stole K50,000 cash from Christopher Nsokolo and threatened to use actual violence on him.

Meanwhile, Justice Sikazwe has sentenced five men of Makululu Township in Kabwe District to 25 years imprisonment each for the offence of murder.

Particulars of the offence are that on unknown dates but between December 4 and 7, 2010 jointly and while acting together, the five did murder Simon Simukoko.

The men identified as Maybin, 34, Moses Zimba, 26, a business executive, Mwenya Mwansa ,30, unemployed, Edward Mwansa, 28, unemployed and James Sate, 51, a builder were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each.

Mr Justice Sikazwe has also sentenced Oscar Chewe, 21, a farmer of Kapiri Mposhi District to 20 year’s imprisonment for murder.

Particulars of the offence are that on July 11, 2010 in Kapiri Mposhi, Chewe murdered Christopher Lungu of the same area.