Three Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers have been sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour for shooting dead a 46-year old woman in December last year.
This is after Livingstone High Court judge-in-charge Catherine Lombe found the three accused, who are sentries, guilty of murdering Stella Mwanza near the exit gate of the ZNS milling plant in Monze.
In handing down the verdict, Justice Lombe highlighted the gravity of the offence and imposed the maximum penalty provided for under the law.
The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has welcomed the judgment in a statement.
“The judgment serves as a reminder of the solemn responsibility borne by the justice system in holding accountable those found responsible for serious offences,” the statement reads.
The convicts, Douglas Kanenga, 22, Trust Miyoba, 24, and Brian Hamwiinde, 30, were jointly charged with one count of murder.
The officers allegedly killed Ms Mwanza on December 28 last year.
Her body was discovered in the passenger seat of a car near the milling plant.
Evidence before the court was that Ms Mwanza was shot by the accused, who were on duty conducting patrols around the ZNS milling plant when the incident happened.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police say that on the material day, six ZNS officers reported for duty.
At around 00:30 hours, the officers noticed a vehicle heading towards the exit gate of the ZNS milling plant.
The car reportedly parked near the gate and its lights were switched off.
When the officers moved closer to investigate, the driver suddenly drove off, prompting them to open fire.
The white Toyota Corolla, registration number ABT 7840, only stopped about one kilometre from the scene, after which the driver fled.
Police reveal that Lieutenant Justin Musonda, accompanied by other officers, rushed to the scene and found the abandoned vehicle.
Upon searching it, the officers discover Ms Mwanza’s blood-soaked body lying on the right side of the back seat.
The victim, who was married to chief inspector Sylvester Salale, an officer at Monze Correctional Facility, sustained gunshot wounds to the head, back and under the right armpit.
During trial, the prosecution called eight witnesses, including Mr Salale.
In his testimony, Mr Salale said that on the night of December 27, his wife left their house in Monze around 19:00 hours to attend a funeral.
He said this was despite pleas from him and their son who requested her not to go.
Mr Salale said he learnt of his wife’s death the following morning, December 28, after being informed by a workmate while he was on duty.
-ZDM