Trial in the case in which seven Mpulungu residents have been charged with several offences involving arson, malicious damage to property and naming a person to be a wizard is set to resume tomorrow in the Mpulungu magistrates’ court.
To appear before Mpulungu magistrate Miyato Muyambango tomorrow are Stephen Mazimba, 47, Kapela Mazimba, 20, Austin Mazimba, 18, Mwalola Mazimba, 17, Wisdom Sikazwe, 18, John ‘baby’ Musonda, 22 and John Mpepo, 18, all of Musende village.
In the first count, the seven have been charged with naming a person to be a wizard contrary to section 3 (a) of the witchcraft act CAP 90 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on 17th May, 2011, the accused jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did accuse Dyson Mazimba, a resident of the same area to be a wizard.
In the second offence, they have been charged with Arson contrary to section 328 (a) of the penal code CAP 87 of the laws of Zambia.
On the same day, the accused are said to have wilfully and unlawfully set fire to Mazimba’s house until it burnt to ashes.
The property has been valued to be worth over K8m.
In the third and last count, the seven accused persons caused malicious damage to property an offence contrary to section 335 (1) of the penal code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
They are said to have jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown wilfully and unlawfully damaged the dwelling house of Flotia Kabwe, a property worth K300, 000.
When the matter came up for plea last week, the seven pleaded not guilty prompting the court to set trial for 7th June, 2011.
The seven people have been remanded in police custody.
[ ZANIS ]
