By KASONDE KASONDE –
KABWE High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa has sentenced a man of Mkushi District to death by hanging for killing his friend after he poured hot water on him.
Particulars of the offence are that Samuel Mutambalilo, on September 17, 2013 in Mkushi District, poured hot water on Stanley Fwalanga that left him with burns all over the body and caused his death.
In passing judgment Ms Justice Mwikisa said the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mutambalilo was guilty of murder.
Ms Justice Mwikisa sentenced Mutambalilo to hanging until pronounced dead adding that he, however, had a right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, three men had their charges reduced from murder to manslaughter following the evidence and facts before the High Court.
Ms Justice Mwikisa reduced the charge of murder for Jacob Ngandu aged 32 of Mumbwa District to manslaughter and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for the death of Ernest Milambo.
Particulars of the offence were that Ngandu on March 12, 2013, killed Milambo after the two engaged in a fight and that he hit the deceased with a log.
In mitigation Ng’andu asked the court to be lenient with him as he was a first offender who was remorseful for his actions.
Justice Mwikisa also reduced the charge from murder to manslaughter for Dickson Musonda for causing the death of his brother by pouring petrol on him and setting him on fire.
Musonda is believed to have set his brother ablaze after accusing him of practicing witchcraft and being responsible for the family’s misfortune.
Ms Justice Mwikisa found Musonda guilty of manslaughter and sentenced him to six years imprisonment with hard labour.
The Judge equally sentenced Stanley Chinfule aged 40 years of Kabwe District to six years imprisonment with hard labour for causing the death of Enice Zilungu.
Particulars of the offence were that Chinfule on October 12, 2012, caused the death of Zilungu by running her over with an Ox cart and later beat her after accusing her of practicing witchcraft.