The court also acquitted one of the eight accused persons after finding insufficient evidence to link him to the offence.
Those convicted are Julius Simbeye, Valen Bwalya, Reuben Mwansa, Rae Kasungula, Jairos Sammy, Andrew Chanda and Mutale Katala. The seven were found guilty of aggravated robbery after being accused of acting together while armed with a toy pistol and other offensive weapons, including a hammer, gas cylinder and iron bars.
According to court records, the group stole 15 bags of emeralds weighing 361.2 kilogrammes, property of Continental Mining Africa.
The court heard that during the raid, the convicts disabled the electrical wire fence and damaged a CCTV camera before breaking into the strongroom. They also assaulted a security guard, Alex Malembeka, tying his hands and legs with wire before dumping him in a nearby bush.
In delivering judgment, High Court Judge Everisto Pengele said the State had proved its case against the seven accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
“I have carefully examined the evidence before the court and I am satisfied that the State had proven the case against the seven,” Judge Pengele said.
The eighth accused, John Kalangwa, was acquitted for lack of evidence directly linking him to the crime.
The court also informed the convicted men of their right to appeal the sentence.
The charge should be armed robbery not aggravated robbery.
They were armed because of the toy pistol
Itizi tulu
They never possessed a genuine firearm, indicating that there was no intent to kill. A 25-year sentence is reserved for murderers; it is akin to a life sentence. Allow them to appeal. Five years is sufficient, Your Honor. We should not impose a burden on our government by maintaining these individuals. They have the potential to be rehabilitated and contribute positively to society. No one lost their life in this incident. Five years.Give politicians 25yrs for stealing government funds