Four youths remanded for 2 years without trial

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:10:13 +0000

By CHIKUMBI KATEBE

FOUR juveniles aged between 18 and 20 years have applied for constitutional bail over their 23-month incarceration without trial.

The four boys were arrested on 12th February, 2015, on allegations of aggravated robbery.

They have complained that since their arrest, they only appeared before Magistrate Muzambalika Simwatachela at the Subordinate Courts before the case was committed to the High Court, where they also appeared before Ms Justice Gertrude Chawatama.

“That we appeared before Honourable Chawatama for trial until 26th July, 2016. That since then, we have not appeared in court and our trial has not proceeded any further,’’ they submitted.

They have applied to the High Court that as advised by their legal counsel from the Legal Aid Board, there was unreasonable delay in the conclusion of their case.

“That we are further advised and verily believe this honourable court has power to admit us on constitutional bail in the present circumstances,” they said.

The four juveniles, all aged between 18 and 20 years, have been remanded in custody since their arrest in February, 2015 but that their matter has not yet been heard despite the period spent behind bars.

The suspects have, however, all taken plea before court, but that was how far the matter had gone and since remained quiet.