By CHARLES MUSONDA
A POLICE officer accused of killing public prosecutor Nsama Nsama Chipyoka and UPND supporter Joseph Kaunda awaits committal to the High court after appearing in the magistrate for explanation of his charges.
Before Magistrate Felix Kaoma was Fanwell Nyundu, 25, of Matero Township charged with the two murders that happened on December 23, 2020 when UPND president Hakainde Hichilema appeared at the police headquarters for questioning.
Donning a grey winter coat, the youthful Nyundu appeared calm and composed as Mr. Kaoma read out the charges to him in the emotional filled courtroom.
In the first count, particulars of offence are that on December 23, 2020, Nyundu murdered Mr. Nsama who was shot dead as he was entering a restaurant located next to Cabinet Office and some metres away from the National Prosecutions Authority headquarters.
In the second count, particulars of offence are that Nyundu murdered Kaunda, a Kafue resident who was part of the UPND supporters who had thronged the police headquarters and nearby areas to offer solidarity to Mr. Hichilema.
Asked if he understood both counts, Nyundu answered in the affirmative after which Mr. Kaoma told him that he would not take plea before his court as the capital offence he is facing is only tried by the High Court.
He also told Nyundu that he will only be appearing in the subordinate court for mention while awaiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions or a preliminary inquiry in case of any delay in committing him to the High Court.
The case was adjourned to March 2, 2021 for mention and possible committal while Nyundu has been remanded in custody.
Nyundu was arrested a few days ago after Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja handed over his report on the investigations into the killing of the two men to President Edgar Lungu.
Few days before the shooting incident, the police had advised the UPND not to allow their supporters to accompany their leader to the police headquarters but the opposition defied the advice and ferried their followers in more than 30 buses to the premises, resulting in a confrontation with officers.
