KABASA J: The accused appeared before the learned provincial magistrate facing a total of 7 counts, the first two counts involved unlawful entry and theft, the 3rd and the 4th counts were also unlawful entry and theft as defined in section 131 (1) and 113 of the Criminal law Code. Counts 3 and 4 were withdrawn before plea and so there are no issues arising therefrom. More
DUBE-BANDA J:
[1] This is a review at the instance of the scrutinising Regional Magistrate. The accused was charged with two counts: viz count 1, physical abuse as defined in s 3(1)(a) as read with s 4(1) of the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16]. It being alleged that he kicked and slapped the complainant his wife several times all over the body. In count 2 he was charged with the crime of malicious damage to property as defined in s 3(1) (h) as read with s 4(1) of the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16]. It being alleged that the accused... More
The accused appeared before a Provincial Magistrate at Lupane facing one count of theft as defined in section 113 (1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23). The accused pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment wholly suspended on condition accused restitutes the complainant the sum of $1 500 representing the value of the stolen goods. In addition accused was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment of which 3 months was suspended for 5 years on condition that accused does not commit an offence involving dishonesty as an element and for... More
The two accused were charged with the crime of murder. They pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty of culpable homicide. It is alleged that the deceased who was husband to the 1st accused and father to the 2nd accused came home drunk. The statement of agreed facts filed by all 3 counsel reveals that the deceased picked up a quarrel with his wife the 1st accused who apparently had reported an earlier assault to the police. During the quarrel, the 1st accused left the couple’s bedroom and went to sleep with her daughter. The accused followed there and started... More
The accused person faces a charge of murder, it being alleged that on the 31st of January 2021 and in the accused’s bedroom at Nkayi District Hospital quarters in Nkayi, he unlawfully caused the death of Letwin Gotido by pouring methylated spirit on Letwin Gotido’s clothes and then lit a match and set her on fire thereby causing her death later on the 8th of March 2021 at Mpilo Central Hospital More
