BY MAKOKWA CLARA MUYENDEKWA
DRAMA in Choma magistrate court gallery after an accused person alleged that a man had killed his two cows with black magic using lightning.
This is in a case where Fines Munsanje is jointly charged with his brother for criminal trespass and particulars of the offense are that on 2 November 2021, the duo entered the property of Benson Munsanje with intent to intimidate or annoy contrary to section 306 of the penal code of the laws of Zambia.
Benson Mumsanje aged 59 of Mupengo village in Chief Macha who is the complainant, told the court that he received a phone call from John Chibala informing him that both accused persons on November 2, 2021 entered his premises and left two carcasses at the door of his house while he was at Macha police post.
Munsanje explained that he then reported the matter to the chief’s chairperson who advised the accused to remove the dead animals after a discussion.
The complainant however decided to report the matter to Macha police post the following day as the accused had not removed the carcasses.
And during cross examination, the accused persons asked questions that proved they trespassed and alleged that the complainant had killed the cows through black magic rain and lightning.
Upon admission of guilt from both accused persons, Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwa found them guilty of the charge.
In mitigation, the first accused person asked for forgiveness saying he has two orphans and married with six children and no one will support them as his wife was taking care of his sick sister.
The second accused person asked for lenience saying he looks after 15 biological children, 3 orphans and also takes care of his 91 year old father.
Magistrate Munukayumbwa sentenced both accused persons to 3 months simple imprisonment each effective 6 November 2021 on condition that they do not commit an offence in 12 months.
