The group of eight appeared before Lusaka magistrate Idah Phiri yesterday, facing four counts of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery. The court session was held in camera.
The accused are alleged to have stormed the service station around 03:00 hours on July 16, attacking and killing Ms. Akaliwa. Another attendant, Mapalo Mwelwa, was also attacked and survived with injuries.
The accused persons named in court are: a 15-year-old boy; Marriot Lungu, 22, a farmer of Chipata Township; Boniface Mwanza, 23, a painter of Chipata Maplot; Moses Zulu, 21, a security guard of Mtendere East; Given Banda, 28, a security guard of Kabanana Site and Service; Rabson Lungu, 32, a bricklayer of Chipata Township; Clifford Musanda, 30, a bricklayer of Chaisa Township; and Peter Daka, 18, of Chipata Township.
State prosecutor Lewis Loti presented the allegations. In the first count, it is alleged the eight unlawfully attempted to cause the death of Mr. Mwelwa.
The second count details an aggravated robbery where the accused, while armed with an iron bar, cutter, hammer, and screwdriver, allegedly stole a cell phone, wallet, four assorted bank cards, and K200 cash, all valued at K24,439.57 and belonging to the Rubis filling station. It is alleged they used threats or violence to prevent Mr. Mwelwa from resisting.
In the third count, allegations state that while similarly armed, the group stole Ms. Akaliwa’s headsock and cell phone, valued at K235, again using violence or threats.
The final count alleges that the eight murdered Ms. Akaliwa.
Mr. Loti informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had issued instructions for the accused to be committed to the High Court for trial.
Magistrate Idah Phiri stated, “I have received a committal certificate issued by office of DPP that this matter is fit for trial by the High Court, accordingly I commit the matter to the High Court.”
