A Ndola based High Court Judge, Munyinda Wanki yesterday sentenced two men of Luwingu district in Northern Province to a total of 33 years imprisonment with hard labour for defilement.
Judge Wanki sentenced Darius Mutale, 44, to 18 years imprisonment and Sidney Chama to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour for having carnal knowledge of girls under the age of 16.
Justice Wanki observed that cases of defilement were serious and handed down the respective sentences to the duo. The sentences are with effect from May 15, 2009.
He rebuked Mutale for defiling a 10 year old girl and slapped him with an 18 year long jail sentence considering that he had poor health and was a first offender.
He also rebuked Chama, who in mitigation said he had learnt his lesson and would not repeat such an act. Chama added that he was keeping orphans at his home and they would suffer if he was sent to prison.
Meanwhile, Judge Wanki has fined a 26 year old man of Mpulungu K4 million for causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Wanki fined Sikazwe Tafuna of Isoko village in Mpulungu district who, on October 2008, allegedly caused the death of Japhet Zulu at Kasakalawe village.
On the material date, Tafuna, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number AAJ 2322, caused the death of Zulu, contrary to section 16, article II of the laws of Zambia.
In passing judgment, Justice Wanki, who was sitting during the Kasama High Court session yesterday, said cases of such nature have become prevalent and it was the duty of the courts to reduce deaths on roads by giving remedial sentences to offenders.
He also said drivers should realise that they are responsible for other people’s lives on roads and urged them to be careful when driving.
Justice Wanki warned Tafuna that if he failed to raise the money in two months, he would be sent to prison to serve one year simple imprisonment.
He advised that the K4 million should be taken to court not later than January 15, 2010.
ZANIS