By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
A PATRIOTIC Front (PF) supporter will spend the next 10 years in prison with hard labour for attempted murder of a ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) member.
Lusaka High Court Judge Lameck Mwale said that the sentencing of Weluzani Banda should serve as a warning to others in the political arena.
This is in a matter in which the convict shot UPND Chawama’s Lilayi ward 4 youth chairperson Joseph Lwimba twice during the August 12, 2021 general elections.
He was charged with one count of attempted murder contrary to the laws of Zambia but pleaded not guilty.
During trial, Mr. Lwimba told the court that he was shot twice on his lower back by Banda after rival political cadres clashed in Chilanga at Jaica Polling station.
He said it was only by God’s grace that he survived after he was rushed to Chawama Level One Hospital.
However, Banda in his defence said he acted in self defence and had no intentions of killing or shooting a person.
He added that he fired the shots out of fear that they would kill him from the way they had started beating him.
Banda told the court that he was remorseful and asked for leniency.
But Mr Justice Mwale in passing judgement yesterday said that the offence was serious and attracts a minimum of not less than 10 years.
“Let this serve has a warning to others. Politics should not lead one to want to take another person’s life. Human life is important. Everyone has a different political affiliation but this does not mean that people should start engaging in violence of even reaching an extent of wanting to shoot the other person. These are just politics,” he said.
“The offence you have committed is mandatory to a life sentence but since you are a first offender and deserve leniency, I shall sentence you to 10 years effective today with hard labour,” said Mr Justice Mwale.
PF cadre jailed 10 years for attempted murder
