By CHARLES MUSONDA
THREE men and a female student charged with murdering veterinary doctor Evans Mwape Mwengwe have appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for explanation of the charge.
The accused persons are also facing one charge of aggravated robbery.
Before Magistrate Felix Kaoma yesterday were Kenani Jere, 23, an entrepreneur of Katondo, Doris Ndumba, also 23 and a student of Meanwood Ibex Hill, Keegan Zulu, 38, a businessman of Chalala, and Josat Tembo, 42, a mechanic of New Chilenje all of Lusaka.
Particulars of offence in the first charge are that between June 10 and 12, 2021 in Lusaka, the accused persons murdered Dr. Mwape of Lilayi.
In the second charge, the particulars of offence are that the four between the same dates in Lusaka stole an infinix phone valued at K5, 000, one MacBook laptop worth K23, 800, two bags of maize worth K300, and a Mercedes Benz ML320 registration number BAB 2838 valued at US$14,500, the property of Dr. Mwape.
After Mr. Kakoma read out the charges in a sombre atmosphere that hung in the courtroom, all the forlorn looking accused persons said they understood both offences.
Mr. Kakoma then told them that they will not take plea before him as the two offences are triable by the High Court.
“You will only be appearing before me for mention awaiting instructions from the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) or in the alternative a preliminary inquiry,” Mr. Kakoma said after which he adjourned the case to this Friday July 23, 2021 for another mention and remanded all the accused persons in custody as the charges they face are not bailable.
Dr. Mwape, who was 53, was reported missing before his body was discovered dumped in Kabangwe area with severe burns on the upper part and partially on the thighs.
According to police person Esther Katongo, he was reported to have been attacked as he was driving from Serenje to Lusaka.
