ENOCK KADEMAUNGA writes
@SunZambian0
A FARMER of Chibombo has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court for allegedly shooting his employee to death after mistaking him for a thief.
Botain Kalunga, 57 is charged with murder after he allegedly gunned down his worker Lackson Mugala, 46 on July 17.
The matter came up yesterday before Chief Resident Magistrate Lameck Mwale for explanation of the charge.
Magistrate Mwale told Kalunga that he will not take plea because the matter can only be heard in the High Court.
He said Kalunga would however continue to appear for a mention awhile waiting for instructions of committal to the High Court for trial by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The matter was adjourned to September 11 for mention.
Particulars of the matter are that on the material day, Mr Mugala of 22 miles was shot around 03:00 hours after he was mistaken for a thief by Kalunga.
The incident is alleged to have happened when Mugala went out of his house to check on pigs in a piggery while smoking cigarette.
It was at this point, Kalunga heard some noises outside and after seeing a person moving out, he fired his Shotgun Greener double barrel through the window but later discovered that it was his employee he had gunned down.
The victim sustained injuries on the back and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for treatment but later died.
In another case, four people have appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court for allegedly murdering a man.
The suspects are Rifle Mwiinga Mugwalisa, 57, Kennedy Mwiinga, 21, Rifle Mwiinga Junior, 25, and Onesmum Bodela, 21.
They are all charged with murder contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that on June 30 the four murdered James Mwansa.
The four appeared before Magistrate Mwale for explanation of the charge.
He adjourned the matter to September 11 for mention.
